California sues Trump EPA over move to subject state vehicle emissions waivers to congressional review
California sued the Trump administration Monday after the Environmental Protection Agency moved to subject the state's vehicle emissions waivers to congressional review, setting up a legal battle that could determine whether California retains its longstanding influence over the US auto market.The lawsuit, filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, challenges the EPA's decision to submit four California emissions waivers to Congress under the Congressional Review Act, which allows lawmakers to overturn certain federal regulations.The EPA declined to comment on the litigation.In a press release announcing the move earlier this month, the agency said it was "committed to promoting consumer choice and ensuring affordable vehicles for all Americans, while following the best reading of the law."TRUMP ESCALATES BATTLE WITH NEWSOM, SHUTTING DOWN GOVERNOR'S LEFT-WING RULES ROCKING CAR INDUSTRYCalifornia Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks during a news conference in Sacramento.(Reuters/Fred Greaves/File Photo)California argues the move threatens its authority under the Clean Air Act to impose vehicle emissions standards stricter than federal requirements.
The state also contends that other states have adopted California's emissions standards over the years, extending its influence beyond its borders.At issue is the EPA's decision earlier this month to submit four California waivers covering vehicle emissions and lawn and garden equipment to Congress for review under the Congressional Review Act.California argues the EPA is improperly attempting to transform agency decisions that have historically been treated as waivers into regulations that Congress can overturn.MAJOR BUSINESS GROUP INTERVENES TO BLUNT NEWSOM LAWSUIT ATTEMPTING TO REINSTATE EV MANDATESEPA Administrator Lee Zeldin attends a meeting with President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 13, 2025.(Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)"N...