A Republican-led House Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by Rep. Brett Guthrie, alleges California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) continues to enforce electric vehicle (EV) mandates repealed under federal law. The committee claims CARB is denying auto approvals unless manufacturers comply with preempted regulations tied to three key rules: Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC‑II), Advanced Clean Trucks, and the Omnibus Low-NOx standard. These rules were nullified earlier this year under the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
The letter to CARB’s executive officer accuses the agency of effectively maintaining a “de‑facto EV mandate,” in direct violation of the Clean Air Act. It warns that enforcing a ban on gas-powered vehicles would harm American families and businesses, strain the electric grid, raise costs, and deepen reliance on China.
The committee—which includes leadership from the Environment and Oversight subcommittees—has formally requested all documents from 2025 onward related to CARB’s enforcement of the revoked regulations and Biden-era waivers. The letter underscores that pending litigation does not justify continued enforcement of policies invalidated by Congress.
These congressional demands come on the heels of an ongoing lawsuit led by California and ten other states challenging the federal repeal of its EV mandate and stricter emissions rules.
