Central ND News

In a significant move, the U.S. Senate has voted to overturn waivers granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allowed California to enforce strict electric vehicle (EV) mandates. These waivers were approved during the final days of the Biden administration and aimed at transitioning all new passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles sold in California to be electric or hydrogen-powered by 2035.

The stringent standards set by California have been mirrored by 17 other states, including Minnesota. Automakers are concerned about having inconsistent regulations across state lines, leading them to adopt California's ambitious targets. Critics argue that EVs remain more expensive than traditional gas or hybrid vehicles and offer less range in colder climates.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota played a pivotal role in challenging these waivers as Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He co-sponsored three Congressional Review Act joint resolutions aimed at nullifying the EPA's decision.

Senator Cramer stated, "Consumers should have a choice in the vehicles they purchase, without government mandates," adding that granting such waivers distorts market dynamics and limits consumer options. He described California’s push for EV adoption as "extreme regulatory overreach."

Support for overturning these mandates also came from North Dakota auto dealers who praised Senator Cramer's efforts. They expressed concerns that California's rules would increase vehicle prices and reduce consumer choice within their state where only about 1 percent of vehicles are currently electric.

The decision marks a notable step in addressing what some lawmakers see as overreaching environmental regulations impacting national automotive markets.