The state is allowed to set steeper emissions rules than federally required.
The D.C. Court of Appeals upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) emissions policy waiver for the state of California. The EPA first granted California a waiver under the Clear Air Act in 2013, allowing the state to set more stringent laws around tailpipe emissions than required by federal law.
The EPA reinstated this waiver in 2022, but 17 states and multiple fuel companies challenged it. The plaintiffs claimed that a single state’s authority superseding federal authority was unconstitutional, which the three-judge panel rejected.
Now that the D.C. Court of Appeals has rejected the challenge, California can proceed with its plan to phase out the sale of gasoline-only vehicles in the state by 2035.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “This ruling reaffirms California’s longstanding right to address pollution from cars and trucks.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For judges and justices in the federal judiciary to be discerning as they hear cases regarding states’ rights and jurisdictions.
- For prudence for federal and state officials as they evaluate and set environmental and emissions policies.
Sources: Reuters, PBS
