The U.S. Senate voted on Thursday to revoke California’s authority to implement a ban on the sale of new gasoline-only vehicles by 2035, overturning an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waiver granted under the Biden administration. The measure now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk, potentially setting up a legal showdown with California officials.
California’s plan, initially announced in 2020 and adopted by 11 other states, mandates that 80% of new vehicle sales be electric and 20% plug-in hybrids by 2035. The Senate vote also aims to repeal EPA backing for California’s separate zero-emission heavy-duty truck regulations and low-nitrogen oxide (NOx) standards.
“This Senate vote is illegal,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom, calling it “an unconstitutional attack” that would impose an estimated $45 billion in added health care costs for California taxpayers. He vowed to challenge the measure in court.
The move marks a legislative victory for major automakers including General Motors, Toyota, and Stellantis, which have opposed California’s regulations. “The fact is these EV sales mandates were never achievable,” said John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents GM, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and others. GM welcomed the vote, saying it “aligns emissions standards with today’s market realities.”
Environmental advocates condemned the decision. “While our Republican leaders may try to put the horse back in the barn when it comes to electric vehicles, the world has already shifted under their feet,” said Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice.
A separate House bill passed Thursday would also end a $7,500 EV tax credit, impose a $250 annual fee on electric vehicles, repeal emissions regulations, and phase out battery production tax incentives by 2028. The outcome of the Senate and House actions could delay or reduce automakers’ EV production plans, especially in states with California-aligned rules.