Senate Vote Ends California Car Ban

WASHINGTON DC (5/22/25) – Today, the U.S. Senate passed H.J. Res 88, providing for congressional disapproval of the Clean Air Act waiver for California’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, which would have banned the sale of gas-powered cars and trucks and greatly increased the cost of all new vehicles. The vote was 51-44. This vote will be included in our American Energy Scorecard.

American Energy Alliance President Thomas Pyle issued the following statement:

“This vote isn’t just about cars — it’s about preserving freedom, mobility, and convenience for American families. California’s terrible approach to energy and transportation policy should not become the country’s burden to bear. 

“Ending – once and for all – California’s gas-powered car ban is a necessary step in restoring and protecting Americans’ freedom to choose the types of cars and trucks that best suit their needs, and it starts the process of making vehicles affordable again. 

“Unelected people in California and the Biden administration abused the Clean Air Act waiver process to try and force a backdoor EV mandate. With President Trump’s anticipated signature, he and the Republicans in Congress will finally put an end to a decades-long quest by the fringe left to force people out of their cars.”

AEA Experts Available For Interview On This Topic:

• Tom J. Pyle, President
• Kenny Stein, Vice President of Policy
• Alex Stevens, Manager of Policy and Communications

Additional Background Resources:

• House Vote Brings Us One Step Closer to Ending California’s Car Ban
• Congress Has the Authority to Review EPA “Waivers” of Clean Air Act Preemption – Yale Regulatory Review
• Congress, Not the GAO, Gets to Decide on the California Waiver
• Ending Biden’s EV Mandate Requires Ending California’s Waiver

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