{"id":1954775,"date":"2023-06-22T20:49:02","date_gmt":"2023-06-23T00:49:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/republicans-aim-at-epas-possible-approval-of-california-ban-on-gas-powered-car-sales-by-2035\/"},"modified":"2023-06-22T20:51:29","modified_gmt":"2023-06-23T00:51:29","slug":"republicans-aim-at-epas-possible-approval-of-california-ban-on-gas-powered-car-sales-by-2035","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/republicans-aim-at-epas-possible-approval-of-california-ban-on-gas-powered-car-sales-by-2035\/","title":{"rendered":"GOP Targets EPA&#8217;s Potential Approval of CA&#8217;s 2035 Gas Car Sales Ban"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Frepublicans-aim-at-epas-possible-approval-of-california-ban-on-gas-powered-car-sales-by-2035%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=1954775&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><div class=\"post_content\">\n<h2>House Republicans Target EPA&#8217;s Clean Air Act Waivers for California<\/h2>\n<blockquote>\n<p>A bill from House Republicans is targeting the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s ability to issue Clean Air Act waivers for California that could lead to major restrictions or even bans on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/two-ca-dem-senators-tell-biden-to-set-hard-date-to-eliminate-sale-of-gas-powered-vehicles\/\" title=\"Two CA Dem Senators Tell Biden To Set Hard Date To Eliminate Sale Of Gas-Powered Vehicles\">gas-powered vehicles<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Those waivers are a live issue. Last month, the California Air Resources Board <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/california-asks-epa-for-permit-to-ban-gas-powered-vehicles-by-2035_5295098.html?utm_source=open&#038;utm_medium=search\">asked<\/a> the Biden administration for one so it can ban the sale of new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/unfeasible-or-impractical-usps-wants-billions-of-dollars-for-electric-vehicle-transition\/\" title=\"\u2018Unfeasible Or Impractical\u2019: USPS Wants Billions Of Dollars For Electric Vehicle Transition\">internal combustion engine vehicles<\/a> by 2035, in line with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/california-regulators-approve-plan-to-ban-new-gas-car-sales-by-2035_4689322.html\">decision<\/a> the board made last year.<\/p>\n<p>The administration <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/biden-administration-permits-california-to-ban-diesel-powered-heavy-trucks-starting-2036_5169505.html\">gave California the nod<\/a> for a ban on new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/republicans-aim-at-epas-possible-approval-of-california-ban-on-gas-powered-car-sales-by-2035\/\" title=\"GOP Targets EPA's Potential Approval of CA's 2035 Gas Car Sales Ban\">diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks<\/a>. That prohibition begins in 2036.<\/p>\n<p>The state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/text\/42\/7543\">enjoys a carveout<\/a> for vehicle emissions under the 1970 Clean Air Act because of its historical issues with smog.<\/p>\n<p>Today, 17 other states representing about 40 percent of the national car market <a href=\"https:\/\/ww2.arb.ca.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2022-05\/%C2%A7177_states_05132022_NADA_sales_r2_ac.pdf\">follow California\u2019s vehicle standards<\/a> to at least some degree.<\/p>\n<p>Republicans worry the rest of the country may ultimately have to follow a Golden State gas-powered vehicle ban, thanks to its unique powers under the Clean Air Act. That\u2019s why they\u2019re trying to tie the EPA\u2019s hands by revising that law. The bill would apply to waivers as far back as the start of 2022.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/118th-congress\/house-bill\/1435\/text\">H.R. 1435<\/a>, the \u201cPreserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act,\u201d was just one of four legislative measures from Republicans that lawmakers discussed during a June 22 House hearing.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, the California waiver bill may be the most consequential, judging by the staunch opposition of one top energy Democrat.<\/p>\n<h3>\u201cIn my opinion, this bill runs counter to the intent of the Clean Air Act, which is a model of cooperative federalism with decades of successful partnership between EPA and states to protect Americans from dangerous air pollution,\u201d said Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3533246\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/img.theepochtimes.com\/assets\/uploads\/2020\/10\/09\/GettyImages-1215626664.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><\/noscript><\/figcaption><\/a> WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 MAY 27: Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol, May 27, 2020 in Washington, DC. Pelosi and her Democratic House colleagues discussed the recently passed House bill \u201cThe Heroes Act\u201d and criticized the Trump administration\u2019s lack of a plan for nationwide coronavirus testing. (Photo by Drew Angerer\/Getty Images)<\/figure>\n<p>Pallone has served in Congress for three-and-a-half decades. He\u2019s also a well-established face on the energy committee. In recent sessions, he has alternated between chairman and ranking member.<\/p>\n<p>On June 22, the New Jerseyite said Congress had chosen to let California \u201cset separate and more protective\u201d standards.<\/p>\n<p>He asked the EPA\u2019s witness, Joseph Goffman, about the likely impact of that bill if it became law.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt could limit California\u2019s or, more precisely, EPA\u2019s authority to grant a waiver to California,\u201d Goffman replied.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs you know, states like New Jersey have voluntarily chosen over the history of the Clean Air Act to exercise the option that the Clean Air Act gives them to adopt California\u2019s standards,\u201d the attorney and bureaucrat continued.<\/p>\n<p>June 22 marked the second day of House testimony from Goffman, a veteran D.C. Democrat now with the EPA\u2019s Office of Air and Radiation. Biden has nominated him to lead that office against the opposition of Republicans.<\/p>\n<p>On June 21, Goffman testified before the oversight committee regarding the EPA\u2019s proposed rules for tailpipe emissions, which the agency predicts will lead to the large-scale adoption of electric cars within the decade.<\/p>\n<p>Among other things, he answered Rep. Pat Fallon\u2019s (R-Texas) question about why he declined to attend a May 17 hearing of that same committee.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor my part, as with many things, it was primarily scheduling,\u201d Goffman answered.<\/p>\n<p>However, his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/senior-leaders-calendars\/calendar-joseph-goffman-principal-deputy-assistant-administrator-office\">official EPA calendar<\/a> was empty from April 1 onward, including on May 17.<\/p>\n<p>The Epoch Times has reached out to the EPA seeking comment.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5187817\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/img.theepochtimes.com\/assets\/uploads\/2023\/04\/11\/id5187817-US-Washington-EPA-headquarters-1-1200x800.jpg\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\"><noscript><\/noscript><\/figcaption><\/a> The Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Washington on March 23, 2023. (Richard Moore\/The Epoch Times)<\/figure>\n<h2>\u2018Forcing These Vehicles\u2019 A Mistake: Johnson<\/h2>\n<p>While Pallone suggested the bill would run contrary to Congress\u2019s intent, Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) had a different perspective.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCongress never directed California to dictate America\u2019s vehicle emissions,\u201d he said during the June 22 House hearing.<\/p>\n<p>He and his Republican colleagues defended the four bills under consideration, including on the grounds of preserving consumer choice amid the push from some for a far-reaching energy transition.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNone of the bills being considered today prevent electric cars or trucks from being driven on our roads if people want them. But forcing these vehicles on long-distance-driving rural Americans\u2013and, for that matter, many urban-dwelling Americans who don\u2019t have garages and driveways to charge these cars\u2013is simply wrong,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n<p>Goffman said the Biden administration did not yet have an official stance regarding the four proposed bills.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, when describing the California waiver bill, he seemed favorably disposed to state rather than federal control.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"morearticles\"><strong>Read More<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"post_list\">\n<div class=\"article\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/garbage-in-garbage-out-what-covid-19-modeling-can-teach-us-about-climate-change_3774167.html\">Garbage In, Garbage Out: What COVID-19 Modeling Can Teach Us About Climate Change<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>While the norm under the Clean Air Act is to give states considerable control, \u201cthe regulation of new motor vehicle emissions is an exception,\u201d Goffman said.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, \u201ceven here, Congress made a move back toward the state role by expressly giving California authority to set separate standards,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n<p>Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) was less circumspect in voicing his opinion.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI believe EPA is working to fulfill its obligation to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/kroger-closing-more-stores-due-to-seattles-mandated-hazard-pay-for-workers\/\" title=\"Kroger Closing More Stores Due To Seattle\u2019s Mandated \u2018Hazard Pay\u2019 For Workers\">protect public health<\/a> in a manner consistent with both the latest science an<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>House Republicans are proposing a bill to limit the Environmental Protection Agency&#8217;s power to grant Clean Air Act waivers to California. These waivers could result in significant restrictions or bans on gas-powered vehicles. The California Air Resources Board recently requested a waiver from the Biden administration to enforce such a ban.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":152,"featured_media":1954776,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[543],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1954775","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-epoch-times"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1954775","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/152"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1954775"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1954775\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1954776"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1954775"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1954775"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1954775"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}