The Warren Sun

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a resolution led by Representative John James to overturn the approval of California's Advanced Clean Trucks rule by the Biden Administration. This resolution, utilizing the Congressional Review Act (CRA), aims to nullify what Representative James describes as an "overreaching and impractical mandate" that threatens the U.S. trucking industry and consumers.

The rule in question requires truck makers to sell only zero-emission vehicles, which James and supporters believe would increase costs, complicate manufacturing, and confuse regulatory standards. The resolution is said to protect Michigan's trucking industry, according to James, who states, "Michigan is not afraid of the future, but we demand to be a part of it."

Supporters of the resolution, such as Chairmen Brett Guthrie and Morgan Griffith, argue that repealing the California waiver will prevent increased prices for vehicles and protect the U.S. from dependence on foreign resources amid concerns over the strain on the electric grid.

Chris Spear, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, expresses gratitude for Congressional actions to preserve national environmental policy autonomy, stating that California should not independently decide policies affecting the U.S. trucking industry.

Jake Jacoby of the Truck Renting and Leasing Association calls on the Senate to adopt the resolutions to prevent the imposition of stringent electric vehicle mandates from California. Similarly, the National Automobile Dealers Association warns that the mandates could limit consumer choice and affect the economy.

This resolution is part of a larger legislative package initiated by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Included are resolutions to reverse EPA decisions allowing California to ban gas-powered vehicles by 2035 and impose new emission standards for heavy-duty engines.

Rep. James has actively sought to challenge regulations from the Biden Administration, having previously introduced a CRA to block electric vehicle mandates and other policies. His resolution received bipartisan support, passing the House with 231 votes.