California EV Mandates, Clean Air Act, and a Congressional Review Act Vote

California Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Heavy-Duty Omnibus Clean Air Act Waiver, and a Congressional Review Act Vote 

Since 1967, California has had a series of EPA waivers imposing strict greenhouse gas emissions rules that are more stringent than US EPA’s regulations. The regulations listed above aim to transition towards electric vehicles, taking away vehicle choice for consumers, increasing costs and dismissing the role that renewable fuels can play in our transportation system. The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted to rescind these California waivers through a procedure known as the Congressional Review Act, and now the Senate consideration the bill. 

California Can Make Its Own Rules 

California was granted authority to address smog within its state since the 1960s. Since 2007, the state has pursued Clean Air Act waivers to use their large economic base to influence climate policy across the entire United States, most recently via the Advanced Clean Car regulations. The regulations have also been adopted by other states that follow California’s lead on climate policy. When you couple these state regulations and federal rules enacted during the Biden Administration, All in all, it creates a near de facto EV standard for the auto industry for new vehicle production.

Difficult Situation for Automakers  

The federal government and states like California adopting regulations to incentivize the production and sale of EVs has resulted in a difficult regulatory landscape for where automakers.

Republican and Democratic administrations in Washington DC have taken different approaches to these regulations adding to uncertainty in the marketplace. In 2008, the Bush EPA denied California’s waiver, but in 2009, the Obama EPA reversed course and granted the waiver. The same back-and-forth occurred with the first Trump administration revoking the 2009 waiver, then the Biden administration reinstating it, and so on. Automobile manufacturers are facing a losing proposition with no long-term direction with which to build their future, which is why these waivers need to be taken away. 

This Matters for Corn Farmers and Rural Communities in Illinois

Illinois is the third-largest producer of ethanol in the United States, producing 1.84 billion gallons every year. Nearly a third of the corn grown in Illinois goes into ethanol. That’s 657 million bushels. In 2022 alone, ethanol contributed a staggering $11.4 billion to the Illinois economy. That’s money fueling local businesses, supporting schools, farmers, and rural communities. Transitioning away from traditional fuels hurts these constituencies. 

Moreover, preserving consumer choice with vehicles is important. California’s rules require dramatic increases in EV sales which do not work for rural communities. In addition to a lack of charging infrastructure, EV vehicles have not met the demands of consumers who use their vehicles for more than a simple commute. The need for towing capacity, performance in inclement weather, and long-distance travel capabilities are critical features for consumers in rural America. 

Congress Has Ultimate Authority 

The House's passage of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to rescind the federal waiver granted to the California Air Resources Board is an important first step. Next the Senate will vote on the measure. 

Illinois Members Voted in Favor 

In May, five members of the Illinois Congressional delegation voted for the CRA. Reps. Bost, Budzinski, Garcia, LaHood, and Miller voted for Illinois corn farmers, voted to end the regulatory instability permanently, and voted to stop the forced purchase of EVs. On May 16, 2025, IL Corn Growers Association President Garrett Hawkins thanked each of these representatives for their vote.