2LT International News

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Major automobile companies want Congress to stop California’s plan to ban the sale of gas-only cars by 2035—a rule already adopted by 11 other states. They warn it could affect how many vehicles they can ship within months.

Later this week, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on canceling a special EPA permission given by former President Joe Biden that would allow California to require 80 percent of new car sales to be electric by 2035.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing companies like GM, Toyota, and Volkswagen, said that to comply with the rules, they might have to reduce the total number of cars they sell to increase the share of electric vehicles.

New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon are among the 11 other states following California’s plan. Together, they make up about 40 percent of the U.S. car market.

The automakers also warned that banning gas-only cars could make vehicles more expensive and reduce consumer choices, especially as new 25 percent tariffs on imported vehicles and parts are already pushing prices up.

There’s also a legal question about whether Congress can cancel the EPA waiver under current law. In March, a government agency said it couldn’t use the Congressional Review Act to do it.

The House also plans to vote on blocking other California rules, including ones requiring more electric trucks and stricter pollution limits for heavy-duty vehicles.

Starting in 2026, California wants 35 percent of new cars sold to be zero-emission. Automakers say that is too hard to meet. The goal rises to 68 percent by 2030. California says the rule is key to cutting greenhouse gases and air pollution. Some states, like Maryland, are waiting longer to follow the rules.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Transportation Department is working to reverse Biden-era rules that pushed for better fuel economy.