Republicans are targeting California’s EV rule in Senate showdown

If California's EV rule gets axed, automakers would face a fractured regulatory landscape after already committing billions to electrification. (3 min. read)

Author

Marcus Amick
May 21, 2025

Majority Leader of the United States Senate John Thune

The U.S. Senate—in what is a highly expected move—is aiming to block California's plan to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035, with an official showdown coming soon.

The details: According to reports, the U.S. Senate will take up three House-passed resolutions that would roll back the standards—with final votes possibly coming as soon as this week.

  • The resolutions would block California's rules to phase out gas-powered cars along with standards to cut tailpipe emissions from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and curb smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks.

  • Taking a page from the House, Senate Republicans are using the Congressional Review Act to try to block The Golden State's rules, though there's growing tension within Congress about what proposals can legitimately be submitted under this act.

What they're saying: It’s an “improper expansion” of the federal Clean Air Act that would “endanger consumers, our economy and our nation’s energy supply,” said Majority Leader John Thune, R-SD (via Reuters).

In a letter to Senators, National Automobile Dealers Association President Mike Stanton urged Congress to overturn California's authority to set its own gas car phase-out rules. Stanton argued consumer demand isn't keeping pace with California's mandate, citing three major obstacles: elevated costs, insufficient public charging stations nationwide, and impractically long charging times at most public facilities. 

"This is a national issue that should be decided by Congress," Stanton wrote, "not an unelected state agency."

Why it matters: If California's EV rule gets axed, automakers would face a fractured regulatory landscape after already committing billions to electrification plans. And the ripple effects would hit everything from manufacturing facilities to dealer training programs.

Between the lines: Senate Democrats are pushing back hard on efforts to block California's plans. However, the math doesn't look good with Republicans controlling the Senate.

  • California Sen. Alex Padilla said that he will place holds on four pending EPA nominations over "reckless attempts" to roll back the rules.

  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer likened the Republican's efforts to rollback to "going nuclear" and that the legislation to repeal these waivers should be subject to a 60-vote threshold.

  • Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said using the Congressional Review Act opens up a "Pandora's Box of multiple abuses."

Bottom line: While EVs are clearly here to stay regardless of regulatory mandates, the Senate's decision will determine whether their adoption follows California's accelerated timeline or a more market-driven approach preferred by dealers and Republican lawmakers.

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