The House Energy and Commerce Committee has announced that it has sent a letter to California regulators seeking information on the state's continued enforcement of vehicle emissions mandates that have been nullified. This request comes as part of an investigation into reports that California is imposing a de-facto electric vehicle mandate despite Congressional disapproval.
According to the official press release from the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee, Chairmen Brett Guthrie, Gary Palmer, and John Joyce have directed their inquiry to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Committee's concern stems from the June 2025 passage of three Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions that nullified Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waivers previously granted to California. These waivers had allowed the state to implement stricter vehicle emissions standards. Lawmakers are now requesting documentation to assess whether CARB’s ongoing enforcement activities are in violation of federal law, particularly the Clean Air Act.
The August 11 press release further indicates that the Committee has received information suggesting CARB staff may be denying certification for model year 2026 vehicles unless manufacturers comply with rescinded Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) standards. The Committee argues this requirement contradicts federal authority and undermines Congressional intent as expressed through the CRA resolutions. The letter also requests CARB provide all internal records and communications from January 1, 2025, onward related to the enforcement of ACC II, Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT), and Omnibus Low NOx regulations.
As reported by Fox News Digital, Congressman Brett Guthrie emphasized concerns over California’s actions potentially harming American consumers by raising vehicle costs, straining the electrical grid, and increasing reliance on Chinese supply chains for electric vehicle production. Guthrie warned that enforcing a de-facto ban on gas-powered vehicles—contrary to federal law—would have "dire consequences" for families and businesses. Fox News also noted that the Committee is investigating whether California’s certification process constitutes an unlawful continuation of preempted emissions mandates.
According to its official website, the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee is recognized as the oldest standing committee in the House of Representatives with broad jurisdiction over national legislative areas including energy policy, healthcare, environmental protection, telecommunications, and consumer safety. It plays a critical role in drafting federal legislation and monitoring law implementation by executive agencies like the EPA and Department of Energy (DOE).
