The Senate majority leader moved the process through motions to circumnavigate the parliamentarian.
The Senate cleared the three joint resolutions on Thursday necessary to overturn environmental waivers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued to California last year. These three waivers allowed California to enforce stricter environmental standards within the state, but the Senate finalized the revocation initiated by the House in April and May.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota shepherded the process by which the Senate was about to subvert the Senate Parliamentarian’s ruling that the EPA waivers were not subject to the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
Senator Thune maintained that the waivers were within the CRA parameters because they were effectively rules and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin had sent them with the suggestion that Congress nullify them.
The measure, which releases automakers from gearing up to produce electric-only vehicles in California and 11 other states, now goes to President Donald Trump’s desk for signing.
Governor Gavin Newsome pledged to sue Congress for revoking the waivers.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For President Donald Trump as he prepares to sign the measure overturning the EPA waiver.
- For Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Thune as they head their respective chambers of Congress.
Sources: Roll Call, The Hill, MSN
