Congress Passes Resolution to Overturn California’s Strict Pollution Rules for Cars

California has for many years received waivers to set stricter emissions standards for vehicles.

Electric vehicles are charging at a charging station in Monterey Park, Calif., on April 12, 2023. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

WASHINGTON—A Senate vote on Thursday means that both houses of Congress have now passed a resolution that would deny California a federal waiver to set stricter environmental standards for cars, a move that could upend the U.S. auto industry.

The levels of pollutants that cars may legally emit into the atmosphere are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Air Act, which overrides any state laws on the subject. The EPA may grant waivers to individual states that set stricter standards.