# Plain Language Summary: Congressional Disapproval of EPA's California Emission Standards Rule

This bill is Congress's way of saying "no" to an Environmental Protection Agency rule that would let California set its own vehicle pollution standards. Here's what that means in practical terms: The EPA approved a rule allowing California to create stricter emission requirements for heavy-duty trucks and buses—like garbage trucks, delivery vehicles, and airport shuttles—than what the federal government requires. The rule also covers things like warranty requirements for electric vehicle parts and certification standards for zero-emission powertrains. If this bill passes, it would cancel that EPA approval and prevent California from enforcing these stricter standards.

The real-world impact depends on where you live and what you care about. If you live in California or one of the other states that typically follows California's environmental rules, this bill would mean your state couldn't require trucks and buses to meet California's tougher pollution standards. Truck manufacturers would be relieved because they wouldn't have to build different vehicles for California versus the rest of the country. However, people concerned about air quality in California and similar states would lose a tool for reducing pollution from heavy vehicles. Environmental advocates argue that California's stricter standards push the industry toward cleaner technology, while opponents say the rules are unnecessarily burdensome and costly for businesses.

This is a "disapproval resolution," which is a special type of bill Congress uses to reject federal regulations. It's a relatively quick process that requires only a simple majority vote in both chambers. The bill essentially asks: should Congress override the EPA's decision to allow California to set its own standards, or should that decision stand?

A joint resolution providing for 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".

Fischer, Deb

<p>This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency notice titled <em>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</em> (88 Fed. Reg. 20688) and published on April 6, 2023. Among other elements, the notice grants the California Air Resources Board request for a waiver several of its regulations, including the Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Emission Warranty Regulations and Maintenance Provisions. (Under the Clean Air Act, California may seek waivers of the preemption prohibiting states from enacting certain emission standards.)&nbsp;</p>