H.J. Res. 88, Public Law 119-16

The law eliminates the federal waiver decision that allowed California’s vehicle and engine pollution standards to operate despite federal preemption.

What the law does ​

• Disapproves the EPA decision concerning California’s Advanced Clean Cars II standards.
• Makes the EPA waiver decision legally ineffective.

Who it affects ​

• California officials responsible for vehicle and engine pollution standards.
• Vehicle and engine manufacturers subject to the standards.
• The Environmental Protection Agency.

Context ​

The joint resolution was approved on June 12, 2025.

Breakdown ​

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”. ​

This law overturns an Environmental Protection Agency decision concerning California’s Advanced Clean Cars II motor vehicle and engine pollution standards. As a result, the EPA decision has no legal effect.

Key takeaways

• Congress disapproved the EPA decision related to California’s Advanced Clean Cars II standards.
• The disapproved decision concerned a waiver from federal preemption for California’s vehicle and engine pollution standards.
• The EPA decision has no force or effect.
• The joint resolution was approved on June 12, 2025.