Ada Reporter

Congressman Russ Fulcher, along with a group of Republican colleagues, has taken a legislative step in response to recent rulings by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These rulings, set during President Biden’s administration, have established regulations that opponents claim effectively prohibit the use of gas-powered vehicles over the next ten years.

Three Congressional Review Act resolutions have been introduced, aiming to repeal what the group describes as federal overreach. "During the Biden administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allowed a series of stringent, environmentally charged regulations on vehicles that would effectively overhaul the marketplace and steer consumers toward purchasing electric vehicles," commented Congressman Fulcher, emphasizing a focus on "preserving consumer freedom and choice in the automotive and heavy-duty truck markets."

Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Brett Guthrie, criticized the perceived imposition of rules without proper oversight. He asserted the need for congressional review of major regulations that affect the entire nation. "The American people should choose what vehicle is right for them, not California bureaucrats," said Guthrie. He highlighted continued Republican efforts to counter what they see as detrimental policies.

Vice Chairman John Joyce also supports the legislative actions, stating, "The introduction of this resolution to overturn California’s ban on gas-powered vehicles is long overdue." He expressed hope for swift passage through Congress.

California's mandates are a focal point of the discussion. Congressman Jay Obernolte emphasized the negative impact observed in his state. "As a representative of California, I’ve seen firsthand how burdensome regulations from the California Air Resources Board have hurt businesses and hardworking Americans," he noted. Obernolte called for oversight to prevent such policies from becoming a nationwide standard.

The measures introduced include H.J. Res. 88, which would reverse the EPA's approval of California's ban on gas-powered vehicle sales by 2035. H.R. Res. 89, proposed by Congressman Obernolte, would challenge the EPA’s allowance of California's new nitrogen oxide engine emission standards. H.J. Res. 87 addresses the mandate for zero-emission truck sales in California.

Republican Congressman John James criticized the Biden administration's alignment with California's standards, describing them as detrimental to industries and consumers. He remarked, "The Biden administration left behind comply-or-die Green New Deal mandates that threaten to crush our trucking industry."

The actions by these members of Congress are viewed as efforts to ensure market-driven innovation and to protect consumer choice from restrictive state-led mandates.

Chairwoman Lisa McClain added her voice against the EPA waivers, asserting they sideline legislative oversight. "Biden’s EPA waivers effectively allowed one state’s woke agenda to dictate national policy," she declared.

With these resolutions, the participating congressmen are pushing back against California's emissions standards, aiming to involve Congress more directly in decisions of this magnitude.