OKC Standard

U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) have introduced resolutions to nullify California's electric vehicle mandates under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). These mandates prohibit the sale of new gas-powered light-duty vehicles by 2035 and set stringent requirements for heavy trucks and diesel engines. Senator Mullin's resolution, the ‘Omnibus’ Low NOx Regulation, challenges a Biden EPA-approved waiver granting California enforcement of strict Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emission limits for heavy-duty vehicles.

Senator Mullin stated that the waiver imposes "significant compliance costs estimated at upwards of $20,000 per truck," making it difficult for small operators to invest in new equipment. He added that this discrepancy forces "stricter standards to apply unequally across the country" and opposed what he termed California's "costly and extreme Green New Deal agenda."

Senator Capito expressed that California's mandate imposes "unrealistic and stringent requirements" and "forces the hand of American consumers." She mentioned that this measure makes the U.S. more reliant on China for minerals and vowed to explore all options to reverse the rules.

Senator Fischer criticized that California's emissions regulation would impact the truck manufacturing industry nationwide, increasing costs for families. She emphasized that her resolution aims to ensure such regulations undergo congressional review.

The ‘Omnibus’ Low NOx Regulation has received backing from groups such as the American Trucking Association, American Petroleum Institute, and National Automobile Dealers Association.