"WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday said it was sending the Republican-controlled Congress landmark California vehicle emissions rules for potential repeal, its latest effort to prevent tougher state tailpipe requirements.
The EPA said waivers for the California regulations approved under prior Democratic administrations should have been sent to lawmakers under the Congressional Review Act. The rules include California's Advanced Clean Cars I that allows the state to impose vehicle emissions requirements that are stricter than federal standards.
The Trump administration has mounted a multi-pronged effort to deny California the ability to require cleaner vehicles and more electric vehicles. The EPA has also enacted rules making it easier for automakers to sell more gasoline-powered cars and trucks, while making it more expensive to buy EVs.
Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez said California "will not stand idle while this federal administration continues its illegal and unconstitutional actions denying Californians the right to breathe clean air.""
