Block Party

Senate votes against California EV mandate, setting up legal battle

The U.S. Senate voted May 22 to block a California state mandate designed to curb emissions and bolster electric vehicle adoption. This followed a previous House vote with the same result.

Under California’s mandate, 35% of new 2026 model cars sold in the state must be zero-emissions, ramping up to 68% in 2030 and 100% in 2035. California has some of the worst air quality in the country.

The U.S. Senate’s Parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office said Congress cannot review Clean Air Act waivers. The Senate voted to evade their Parliamentarian’s ruling in a 51-46 party line, procedural decision on Wednesday night.

The decision could threaten California’s proposed curtailing of ICE and diesel vehicles. California plans to file suit, claiming an unlawful use of an act allowing Congress to review some regulations enacted by the previous administration.