Washington climate goals jeopardized by U.S. Senate vote
EVERETT — On Thursday, the U.S. Senate revoked three waivers in California governing the state’s vehicle emissions. The overturned waivers block the state’s mandate to phase out all gas-powered cars by 2035 and tighten emissions on certain trucks. The House voted on the waivers last month.
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Under the federal Clean Air Act, California has historically been able to create its own stricter emission standards compared to national standards with the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency, which gives the state waivers for each approved policy. Other states have had the option to adopt California’s more stringent policies.
Washington is one of 17 states to do so, meaning its ability to enforce certain vehicle policies is jeopardized by the federal government’s latest decision.
There are questions of legality about the federal government’s use of the Congressional Review Act, which was cited to revoke the waivers. The Senate parliamentarian, a nonpartisan staffer who interprets Senate’s rules, and the Government Accountability Office, both concluded it was an illegal use of the act. While the determinations are only advisories, the staffer’s and office’s guidance are traditionally followed.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/washington-climate-goals-jeopardized-by-u-s-senate-vote/
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