This week, the House passed four Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions addressing environmental waivers and rules issued during the Biden administration, each tied to California-specific standards or policy decisions. All four joint resolutions now await Senate consideration.
- House Joint Resolution 88 – Repeal of California Gasoline Vehicle Ban. On May 1, the House approved a resolution to repeal an EPA waiver that allowed California to prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. The waiver, issued during the Biden administration, permitted California to adopt stricter emissions standards aimed at accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The resolution passed by a vote of 246–164, with support from 211 Republicans and 35 Democrats. All 164 votes in opposition came from Democrats.
- House Joint Resolution 78 – Reversal of California Fish Endangered Species Listing. On May 1, the House approved a resolution to overturn a 2023 rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listing the longfin smelt—a fish native to California’s Bay-Delta region—as endangered. The agency cited habitat degradation and climate-related threats as the basis for the designation. The resolution to reverse this listing passed by a vote of 216 -195 , with support from 213 Republicans and 3 Democrats. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) was the only Republican to vote against the resolution. Twenty-two Members did not vote.
- House Joint Resolution 87 – Repeal of California Heavy-Duty Truck Waiver. On April 30, the House passed a resolution disapproving of an EPA waiver that allowed California to adopt more stringent emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, including the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, zero-emission mandates for airport shuttles and powertrains, and expanded warranty requirements. The measure was approved by a vote of 231–191, with support from 218 Republicans and 13 Democrats. One Republican, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), voted against the resolution, and 11 Members did not vote.
- House Joint Resolution 89 – Repeal of California Low-NOx Emissions Waiver. Later that same day, the House passed a second resolution disapproving of an EPA waiver authorizing California’s “Omnibus” low-NOx regulation for trucks and heavy-duty engines. This regulation permits California to enforce more stringent nitrogen oxide emission limits than those required under federal law. The resolution passed by a vote of 225 – 196, with 215 Republicans and 10 Democrats voting in favor. One Republican, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), voted no; 12 Members did not vote.
For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton.