California EV Mandate Overturned by the House, Now the Senate will Vote

House Votes to Block California’s EV Mandate

Congress Pushes Back on State-Led Emissions Standards

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed two new resolutions. These measures aim to stop California from enforcing its EV mandate and related truck emissions rules. If the Senate passes the resolutions and the President signs them into law, they would also stop other states from following California’s lead.

Supporters say this move will help protect jobs, reduce costs, and prevent future supply chain problems. Critics of the California rules say the mandate is too strict and not realistic for today’s trucking industry.

Two Resolutions Target California’s EV Mandate

The House passed H.J.Res. 87 and H.J.Res. 89 on April 30. These resolutions aim to cancel two California emissions rules.

H.J.Res. 87, introduced by Rep. John James (R-Michigan), passed by a vote of 231-191. It targets California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule that regulates medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The ACT rule requires truck makers to sell more zero-emission vehicles each year between 2024 and 2035.

H.J.Res. 89, introduced by Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-California), passed with a vote of 225-196. This resolution focuses on California’s Low NOx Omnibus rule. That rule sets tough limits on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from new diesel trucks.

Both resolutions now move to the Senate. If passed there, they will be sent to the President for final approval.

Industry Raises Concerns About EV Mandate Costs

The trucking industry has warned that state-by-state rules—especially California’s EV mandate—are creating confusion and raising costs. Trucking companies argue that having different standards in different states makes it harder to plan, buy equipment, and operate efficiently across state lines.

On April 1, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to overturn the California waivers that allow the EV mandate to move forward. ATA said the standards are “technically unachievable” and would make trucks more expensive.

The group also asked Congress to change the Clean Air Act to stop states from creating their own truck emissions rules in the future. They want to see one national standard that all fleets can follow.

Aggressive Rules Add to Fleet Challenges

California’s EV mandate through the ACT rule sets strict sales targets for truck makers. By 2035, 55% of Class 2b–3 trucks, 75% of Class 4–8 trucks, and 40% of Class 7–8 tractor sales must be zero-emission vehicles.

The Low NOx rule began in 2024 and adds new limits on NOx emissions from diesel trucks. Trucking groups say these rules are hard to meet and are pushing up equipment costs.

Fleet operators say they are already being forced to make difficult decisions. Many warn that the EV mandate is changing how they plan for purchases, maintenance, and operations.

“This is not the United States of California”

ATA President and CEO Chris Spear praised the House for its action on the EV mandate and other regulations.

“This is not the United States of California,” Spear said. “California should never be given the keys to set policies that impact our interstate supply chains. The trucking industry is grateful to our Congressional leaders who are removing Sacramento from the driver’s seat and restoring common sense to our nation’s environmental policies. We look forward to working with Congress and the Trump Administration to develop realistic, technology-neutral federal emissions standards that will benefit our environment, preserve and create jobs, and set our industry up for success.”

Industry Says Environmental Progress Already Made

Trucking leaders say the industry has already made major strides in reducing emissions. Trucks built today release 99% less nitrogen oxide and particulate matter than older trucks. Compared to 2010 models, today’s trucks emit over 40% less carbon.

According to ATA, it now takes 60 new trucks to produce the same emissions as just one truck from 1988.

They credit this progress to strong partnerships with the Environmental Protection Agency. But they also warn that mandates like California’s EV mandate could slow this progress, create confusion, and make goods more expensive.

Senate Will Determine the Future of the EV Mandate

If the Senate passes these resolutions, the EV mandate could be reversed at the federal level. That would stop California and other states from creating their own truck emissions rules. It would also put the EPA back in charge of setting national standards.

Supporters say that a single federal policy will help stabilize the industry and avoid confusion. The Senate is expected to debate the resolutions in the coming weeks.

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