President Trump on Thursday signed H.J. Res. 88, a resolution introduced by Rep. John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), that overturns California’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate, marking a key Republican move to limit federal endorsement of EV standards and defend consumer choice in vehicle purchases.
The legislation, now law, rescinds a waiver previously granted to California by the Biden administration in December 2024, which had allowed the state to enforce stricter electric vehicle (EV) requirements under the Clean Air Act. That waiver, by extension, affected 16 other states—including Pennsylvania—that had adopted California’s standards, influencing nearly 40% of the U.S. auto market.
Supporters of the measure argue the mandate would have raised car prices, strained the electric grid, and deepened reliance on China for EV components. “This is a victory for American consumers who reject government mandates and one-size-fits-all policies,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie.
Dr. Joyce has been a leading critic of California’s regulatory reach, having introduced the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act and previously challenged the EPA’s decision to grant California’s waiver without congressional oversight. H.J. Res. 88 passed the House on April 30 in a 246-164 bipartisan vote, and the Senate followed with a 51-46 vote on May 22.
“Throughout President Trump’s campaign, he spoke about reversing this disastrous California policy,” Joyce said after the bill signing. “Today, that promise became a reality.”
The move aligns with a broader push by Trump and congressional Republicans to dismantle environmental policies put in place under the Biden administration, particularly those they argue restrict market freedoms or hurt the U.S. auto industry.
Critics of the resolution argue it slows progress on reducing emissions and combating climate change, while supporters claim it restores balance and gives states and consumers greater say in how and when to adopt electric vehicles.
Source: johnjoyce.house.gov