Republicans Appeal Ruling on California Emissions Waivers

Senate Republicans are asking an appeals court to overturn a ruling that blocked the EPA from sending California’s Clean Air Act emissions waivers to Congress for possible repeal under the Congressional Review Act. The waivers let California set stricter standards for cars, trucks and some lawn and garden equipment, which other states have also adopted. The judge found California was likely to succeed in arguing the waivers were not regulations subject to congressional repeal; the senators say the ruling intrudes on Congress’s authority. The Trump administration argues the standards raise costs and limit consumer choice, while California says the EPA’s referral was unlawful; repeal could curb the state’s ability to set stricter emissions rules.