California’s Gasoline-Powered Car Ban Revoked by Senate

News Summary

The U.S. Senate has voted to revoke California’s ban on gasoline-powered cars by 2035, an action that Governor Gavin Newsom plans to legally challenge. This decision, passed with a 51-44 vote, raises concerns about the impact on California’s environmental policies and the future of electric vehicles in the state. Newsom has criticized the move as an attack on state rights and a threat to climate change efforts, while Senate Republicans view it as a victory against overreaching government regulations. The ongoing political debate highlights significant issues surrounding consumer choice and climate change accountability.


California’s recent legislative landscape has dramatically shifted with the U.S. Senate’s decision to revoke the state’s ban on gasoline-powered cars by 2035. The Senate passed the measure with a vote of 51-44 using the Congressional Review Act, a move that Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta are poised to challenge legally. This action is poised to have significant implications for California’s environmental policies and consumer choices in the automotive market.

Governor Newsom initially issued an executive order in 2020 aimed at phasing out all sales of gas-powered vehicles in California as part of broader efforts to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and to combat greenhouse gas emissions. By revoking this ban, the Senate aims to undermine these climate strategies, a step that Newsom argues threatens accountability in climate change initiatives at the national level.

The authority of California to enforce its climate emission standards stems from federal approval under the Clean Air Act of 1970. Prior to the Senate’s vote, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had granted a waiver in December 2020 that allowed the state to implement the gas car phaseout. Following the Senate’s recent decision, Governor Newsom has denounced the move as an attack on state rights and a “nuclear option” that disrupts long-standing Senate protocols regarding policy debates.

Newsom characterized the Senate’s actions as detrimental to future generations who will face the effects of climate change. He has labeled the vote as “illegal,” asserting that it disregards essential findings related to the validity of this legislative action. The governor pointed to the historical commitment of past Republican leaders, such as Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, to environmental safeguards, suggesting that the current Republican stance is hypocritical.

From the perspective of Senate Republicans, the revocation is viewed as a significant win against what they perceive as overreach in Newsom’s climate policies. They assert that the gas car ban represents excessive government control over consumer choices. Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher has condemned the ban as restrictive and non-constructive regarding true climate objectives.

Rep. Kevin Kiley has spearheaded efforts in the House of Representatives to counter Newsom’s electric vehicle mandates, advocating for consumer choice in vehicle selection amidst the ongoing political contention. The Senate vote saw only one Democratic senator, Elissa Slotkin, align with Republicans, citing concerns from her constituents within the auto industry.

Despite the push for EV adoption, the statistics indicate that sales of electric vehicles in California have plateaued, maintaining a market share of around 20%. This stagnation has raised questions regarding the availability of essential charging infrastructure. Additionally, California’s Tesla market share has declined by 12% in the first quarter of 2023, a development linked to the political controversies surrounding the company’s CEO.

Industry representatives warn that current mandates may be unfeasible if automobile manufacturers face difficulties in meeting the upcoming targets. Brian Maas, from the California New Car Dealers Association, has highlighted the need for realistic goals as manufacturers adjust to new expectations.

In conjunction with these developments, Newsom has proposed further regulatory measures on the petroleum industry due to soaring gas prices, a strategy that has drawn criticism from Republicans who argue that such reforms may exacerbate the situation. California’s already high state gas taxes have been cited as a contributing factor to the prices that consumers face at the pump.

Looking forward, Newsom has outlined plans aimed at stabilizing gas prices and managing gasoline supply within California. These proposals reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to navigate the challenging intersection of environmental policies, consumer satisfaction, and economic realities in during a pivotal moment for automotive legislation.

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Author: HERE San Diego

HERE San Diego

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