In a stunning rebuke of progressive overreach, the U.S. House of Representatives voted decisively to dismantle a cornerstone of President Joe Biden’s electric vehicle agenda.
The Daily Caller reported that on Thursday, a bipartisan coalition, including 35 Democrats, joined House Republicans to pass a resolution aimed at preserving consumer freedom in the automotive market. The vote signals a growing resistance to radical environmental policies that prioritize ideology over practicality.
The House passed the resolution 246-164, targeting a Biden-era Environmental Protection Agency rule that empowered California to impose a nationwide electric vehicle mandate.
This rule, part of California’s “Advanced Clean Cars II” plan, sought to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 in California and 11 other states. The resolution’s passage marks a critical step toward restoring the right of Americans to choose vehicles that suit their needs.
California’s aggressive mandate, approved by the EPA in December 2024 under the Clean Air Act, extended its influence far beyond its borders.
States like Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia adopted California’s zero-emission standards.
The resolution was spearheaded by Republican Rep. John Joyce of Pennsylvania, who utilized the Congressional Review Act to challenge the EPA’s decision. This legislative tool allows Congress to overturn federal rules with a simple majority, bypassing the Senate’s filibuster.
Joyce’s leadership reflects a commitment to shielding American consumers from policies that threaten their livelihoods and freedoms.
“American consumers, not out-of-touch politicians, should decide what vehicle best fits their needs,” Joyce declared. His words resonate with millions who see California’s mandate as an affront to personal liberty. The resolution’s success in the House underscores a broader rejection of elite-driven agendas that ignore the realities of everyday life.
If the Senate fails to overturn the EPA’s waiver, reversing California’s standards could require a protracted rulemaking process, potentially delaying relief for years.
This possibility has fueled urgency among supporters of the resolution, who argue that swift action is essential to protect the automotive industry. The vote’s bipartisan support suggests even some Democrats recognize the dangers of ceding control to California’s radical policies.
Industry leaders celebrated the House’s decision as a victory for common sense. “Today’s vote was a huge win for U.S. consumers,” said Chet Thompson, president and CEO of American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, and Mike Sommers, president and CEO of American Petroleum Institute.
They emphasized that the resolution moves the nation closer to preserving consumer choice in the face of coercive mandates.
Thompson and Sommers also condemned California’s outsized influence. “California’s unlawful ban should never have been authorized,” they stated, criticizing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s attempt to dominate the national vehicle market.
Their remarks highlight the widespread frustration with progressive policies that prioritize environmental dogma over economic stability.
The resolution’s proponents are now urging the Senate to act quickly. “We urge the Senate to act swiftly to approve their resolution and get the final measure to President Trump for his signature,” Thompson and Sommers added. They believe this would fulfill Trump’s promise to end EV mandates, restoring balance to an industry under siege.
Rep. Joyce has been a steadfast advocate for consumer freedom since arriving in Washington. “I have led this fight to protect consumer freedom and save the American auto industry from dangerous environmental regulations,” he said. His resolve strengthens the case for Senate approval, which could deliver a decisive blow to Biden’s EV agenda.
The resolution’s bipartisan backing reveals a rare unity against policies that many view as disconnected from reality. Consumers across political lines oppose gas car bans and EV mandates, according to Thompson and Sommers. They argue that allowing California to dictate national transportation policy undermines the values of fairness and autonomy.
In 2022, Biden was photographed in a Cadillac Lyriq electric vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a moment that symbolized his administration’s push for EVs.
That image now stands in stark contrast to the House’s rejection of his vision. The vote reflects a broader demand for policies that respect the needs of working Americans over the whims of coastal elites.
The resolution’s fate now rests with the Senate, where supporters hope for a similarly strong showing. A successful vote would send the measure to President Trump, who has vowed to dismantle EV mandates. This alignment with Trump’s agenda underscores the resolution’s significance in the fight against progressive overreach.
Critics of California’s mandate argue it threatens not only consumer choice but also the livelihoods of those in the automotive and fuel industries. The bipartisan support in the House suggests that even some Democrats are wary of policies that alienate their constituents. This coalition could prove pivotal in securing Senate approval.