US Federal House Bill HJR88

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/25
• Refer: 4/2/25
• Engrossed: 5/21/25
• Enrolled: 6/6/25
• Passed: 6/12/25
• Chaptered: 6/12/25

Caption

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".

Summary

H.J.Res. 88 is a congressional disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act that blocks an Environmental Protection Agency action concerning California’s “Advanced Clean Cars II” program. The resolution specifically targets the EPA’s notice of decision regarding California State motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards and declares that the rule shall have no force or effect. In practical terms, the measure overturns the federal approval/waiver decision that would have allowed California to continue implementing its stricter vehicle emissions framework. The bill’s effect is to alter the legal status of the EPA rule and, by extension, the regulatory pathway for California’s vehicle emissions standards. Because California’s standards often influence other states that adopt California-based rules, the resolution has implications beyond California, potentially affecting state-level clean car programs, automaker compliance obligations, and the broader market for zero-emission and low-emission vehicles. It does not itself create new emissions standards; rather, it nullifies the federal rule that would have supported California’s authority in this area. The general sentiment reflected in the voting history suggests the measure was politically significant and closely divided, especially in the Senate, where the motion to proceed and final passage both passed by narrow margins. The House vote was more comfortable but still showed substantial opposition. That pattern indicates support among many lawmakers for limiting California’s regulatory authority, alongside strong resistance from members who favor state flexibility and stricter environmental regulation. The main point of contention is the balance between federal oversight and California’s ability to set more stringent vehicle pollution standards under its longstanding waiver framework. Supporters likely viewed the EPA action as an overreach or an improper expansion of California’s influence over national auto policy, while opponents likely argued that the rule supports cleaner air, climate goals, and state innovation. The controversy also reflects broader disputes over electric vehicle mandates, emissions regulation, and the role of federal preemption in environmental policy.

Impact

This joint resolution changes federal law by using the Congressional Review Act to disapprove and nullify the EPA’s rule on California’s Advanced Clean Cars II waiver decision. As enacted, it removes the legal effect of the EPA notice of decision and constrains the regulatory approval that would have allowed California’s stricter motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards to proceed under that federal action. The practical impact extends to states that follow California emissions standards and to automakers subject to those requirements, potentially affecting clean vehicle compliance, emissions planning, and related state environmental programs.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been supported by a majority sufficient to enact it, but the vote totals show a sharply divided political environment. The House passed the resolution with a notable margin, while the Senate votes on proceeding and on final passage were narrow, indicating significant partisan and policy disagreement. Overall sentiment was mixed: supporters favored limiting the EPA’s approval of California’s standards, while opponents strongly defended the rule as part of state and federal efforts to reduce vehicle emissions and advance clean transportation policy.

Contention

The central contention was whether California should retain the ability to implement stricter vehicle emissions standards through the EPA waiver process. Supporters of the resolution likely argued that the EPA’s decision improperly expanded California’s regulatory reach and imposed burdens on consumers and manufacturers, while opponents argued that the waiver supports cleaner air, climate policy, and state autonomy in environmental regulation. A related point of dispute was the broader effect on other states that adopt California standards, making the resolution a national policy fight rather than a purely state-specific one.