Energy and Commerce Members Obernolte, Palmer and Pfluger Introduce Bills to Stop California’s Costly Emissions Mandates

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23), House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment Chairman Gary Palmer (AL-06) and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced three Congressional Review Act resolutions to rein in California’s use of special waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency under Democrat Administrations that empower California regulators to impose emissions mandates beyond federal standards, restrict consumer choice and drive up costs for families and businesses across the country. 

All three lawmakers serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over the EPA and the Clean Air Act. The legislation is part of a broader effort to exercise congressional oversight, hold federal and state regulators accountable and prevent California’s most burdensome policies from becoming national standards without congressional approval. 

“As a representative from California, I have seen firsthand how burdensome regulations from the California Air Resources Board hurt businesses and raise costs for hardworking Americans by imposing mandates instead of allowing the market to drive innovation,” said Congressman Obernolte (CA-23). “Congress must exercise its oversight authority to prevent these policies from becoming a national standard. We must protect American jobs and supply chains while preserving the ability of consumers to choose what works best for them and their families.” 

“California should not be allowed to dictate what kind of vehicles Texans and Americans across the country can drive. The Biden Administration's decision to reinstate California's waiver gave one state outsized power to impose its radical emissions standards and EV mandates on the rest of the country. I'm proud to introduce this CRA to restore consumer choice, protect American families from costly mandates, and put an end to California setting de facto national auto policy,” said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11). 

California has repeatedly used its outdated authority under the Clean Air Act to pursue regulations more aggressive than federal requirements. When other states adopt California’s rules and manufacturers are forced to adapt, policies written by unelected California regulators can effectively become national standards. 

Small Off-Road Engine Amendments 

Congressman Obernolte’s legislation would revoke the federal waiver allowing the California Air Resources Board to enforce its Small Off-Road Engine amendments. These rules impose costly emissions mandates on lawn and garden equipment and effectively push small businesses, landscapers and homeowners toward electric tools. The requirements ignore the real-world needs of workers who depend on reliable and affordable equipment, leaving them with higher costs and fewer practical choices. 

Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards for 2009 and Subsequent Model Years 

Chairman Palmer’s legislation would revoke the waiver allowing California to enforce its own greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles beginning with model year 2009. The waiver forces automakers to navigate competing standards and allows one state’s regulators to influence which vehicles are produced and sold nationwide. The added compliance costs are ultimately passed along to consumers through higher vehicle prices. 

Reinstatement of Advanced Clean Cars I 

Congressman Pfluger’s legislation would reverse the Biden EPA’s reinstatement of California’s Advanced Clean Cars I waiver. The Trump administration previously revoked the waiver, but the Biden administration brought it back and once again allowed California to enforce vehicle emissions requirements stricter than federal standards. These mandates limit the vehicles available to consumers and increase costs for American families. 

Together, the bills would rein in CARB by revoking three specific waivers granted or reinstated by the EPA under Democratic administrations. The package would restore congressional oversight of these EPA decisions and prevent California regulators from using the waivers to impose costly mandates that affect consumers and businesses nationwide. As members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Obernolte, Palmer and Pfluger will continue working to hold the EPA accountable, protect American jobs and supply chains, and defend consumer choice.