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The House passed H.J.Res. 88, a resolution to overturn an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that allowed California to set stricter vehicle emission standards. The measure passed 246-164 with a bipartisan majority and eventually became law.
This vote was on a "joint resolution of disapproval" under the Congressional Review Act. Specifically, it targeted an EPA decision that gave California a "waiver" to implement its "Advanced Clean Cars II" program. This program required car manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles. By passing this resolution, Congress sought to void that EPA approval, effectively stopping California and other states from enforcing these tougher-than-federal pollution rules. In the House, a "passage" vote is the final step for a bill or resolution in this chamber. Because this was a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution, it is a tool Congress uses to overturn regulations issued by the executive branch. If both the House and Senate pass it and the President signs it, the regulation is permanently canceled, and the agency is prohibited from issuing a similar rule in the future. The resolution passed with a bipartisan majority, as 17 Democrats joined all voting Republicans in favor of the measure. Because this resolution eventually became law, it represents a significant shift in environmental policy. It centralizes vehicle emission standards at the federal level and blocks state-led efforts intended to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
The resolution moves to the Senate for consideration. If the Senate also passes it and it is signed by the President, the EPA rule is immediately voided.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. This vote determines whether states can set more aggressive climate goals than the federal government. It directly impacts the regulatory landscape for the transition to electric vehicles.
Who’s affected. Auto Manufacturers: Companies would face a uniform national emission standard rather than having to comply with a separate, stricter set of rules in California and states that follow it. · Consumers: Drivers in California and participating states may see a slower introduction of zero-emission vehicle options due to the lack of state mandates. · Environmental Regulators: California's unique legal standing to lead on vehicle pollution standards is effectively neutralized for this specific program.
Democrats. A majority of Democrats (77) voted against the measure to protect California's authority to set air quality standards, while 17 Democrats crossed party lines to support the resolution.
Republicans. Republicans voted unanimously in favor of the measure, seeking to curb state-level regulations on the automotive market.
On Passage
May 1, 2025
The House passed H.J.Res.
88, a resolution to overturn an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that allowed California to set stricter vehicle emission standards. The measure passed 246-164 with a bipartisan majority and eventually became law.
This is a vote under the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to strike down recently issued federal regulations. A 'yes' vote is a vote to kill the regulation, while a 'no' vote supports keeping the regulation in place.
The resolution moves to the Senate for consideration. If the Senate also passes it and it is signed by the President, the EPA rule is immediately voided.
This vote determines whether states can set more aggressive climate goals than the federal government. It directly impacts the regulatory landscape for the transition to electric vehicles.
The resolution was passed by a bipartisan majority, supported by all voting Republicans and a group of 17 Democrats.
A majority of Democrats (77) voted against the measure to protect California's authority to set air quality standards, while 17 Democrats crossed party lines to support the resolution.
Republicans voted unanimously in favor of the measure, seeking to curb state-level regulations on the automotive market.
The single independent member voted in favor of the resolution.