House Votes to Overturn California’s Clean Truck Standards, Defying Legal Concerns

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to overturn California’s clean truck regulations, which aim to cut greenhouse gas and nitrogen oxide emissions by accelerating the transition to electric trucks. The move nullifies the Biden administration’s EPA waiver approving the rules, despite warnings from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that such an action under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) may be legally invalid.

Thirteen Democrats joined most Republicans in supporting the repeal, with only one Republican voting against it. California’s emissions policies have long been influential, often shaping national standards due to the state's unique authority under the Clean Air Act and its severe air pollution issues.

The House’s action—if matched by the Senate—could not only trigger legal battles but also threaten state autonomy in environmental regulation and stall the national shift to cleaner transportation, despite growing climate and public health concerns.

05-05-2025