Some House Republicans, backed by corn growers and oil refiners, are trying to block California’s move to ban the sale of new gas-powered passenger vehicles.
A bill introduced by Rep. John Joyce, R-Pa., and more than 50 co-sponsors would stop the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing waivers of provisions related to the Clean Air Act that would be needed by California to implement the ban that the California Air Resources Board adopted in August.
The CARB regulations will take effect starting in 2026, when 35% of all car sales in the state must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The mandate will increase to 68% by 2030. The ban would extend to 17 other states that have regulations tied to California standards.
“It’s alarming that a state would take actions to remove Americans’ options for affordable and reliable transportation without concern for practicality,” said Matt Rush, president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association.
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“While we support all technologies that can help the U.S. reach our climate goals, we know that ethanol blends at the pump are a common-sense solution that is available now.”
Chet Thompson, president and CEO of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, said in a statement that “restricting consumer choice by eliminating competition and banning entire vehicle power trains is the wrong path to achieving cleaner transportation or supporting U.S. energy security; in fact, it could undercut both.”
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