HB2218, titled the Stop California from Advancing Regulatory Burden Act of 2025 or the Stop CARB Act of 2025, would substantially revise the Clean Air Act to eliminate California’s special waiver authority for vehicle and emissions standards. The bill repeals the Clean Air Act provision that allows EPA to grant California waivers, makes any previously granted waivers ineffective, and treats any pending waiver applications as denied. It also removes the ability of other states to adopt certain vehicle emissions standards that are identical to California’s standards.
In addition to ending the waiver framework, the bill repeals or amends several related Clean Air Act provisions that reference California-aligned standards, including provisions affecting nonroad engines, locomotives, fuels, and related enforcement and administration sections. It also repeals Section 177 of the Clean Air Act, which currently allows states to adopt California’s motor vehicle emissions standards under certain conditions. The practical effect would be to centralize emissions standard-setting more fully at the federal level and limit state-level adoption of California-based emissions rules.
Impact
If enacted, HB2218 would change federal clean air law by removing California’s longstanding emissions waiver authority and eliminating the statutory pathway for other states to mirror California vehicle emissions standards. This would affect EPA’s waiver process, state environmental regulators, automobile and engine manufacturers, and industries subject to emissions compliance, including on-road vehicles, nonroad engines, locomotives, and related fuel programs. It would also invalidate existing waivers and deny pending requests as a matter of law, creating immediate legal and regulatory consequences.
Sentiment
The available context suggests the bill is framed by its sponsors as a deregulatory measure aimed at reducing compliance burdens associated with California emissions rules. Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no documented bipartisan debate or formal vote history in the materials. The bill’s title and sponsors indicate support from members opposed to California’s influence over national emissions policy, while the absence of further legislative action suggests it was still at an early stage in the process.
Contention
The main point of contention is the balance between federal uniformity and state authority in environmental regulation. Supporters are likely to argue that California’s waiver system creates costly, fragmented standards for manufacturers and other regulated parties, while opponents would view the bill as stripping California of a Clean Air Act authority that has long allowed the state to address severe air quality problems and that has also served as a model for other states. The repeal of Section 177 is especially significant because it would prevent states from adopting California-identical vehicle standards, directly affecting states that currently rely on that option.
Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 60) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Park Service relating to "Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Motor Vehicles"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 78) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 87) providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty and Maintenance Provisions; Advanced Clean Trucks; Zero Emission Airport Shuttle; Zero-Emission Power Train Certification; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 88) providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards; Advanced Clean Cars II; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 89) providing congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "California State Motor Vehicle and Engine and Nonroad Engine Pollution Control Standards; The 'Omnibus' Low NOX Regulation; Waiver of Preemption; Notice of Decision"; and for other purposes.