California auto emission rules in limbo as election nears

By Mike Lee, Anne C. Mulkern | 05/14/2024 06:55 AM EDT

The state needs permission from EPA to move forward. But the agency has yet to act on eight regulations.

Traffic moves across the Golden Gate Bridge on May 26, 2023.

Traffic moves across the Golden Gate Bridge on May 26, 2023. Jeff Chiu/AP

With months left in President Joe Biden’s first term, his administration has yet to approve crucial parts of California’s clean-vehicle program.

The delay from EPA affects eight California regulations now on the books, blocking the state from enforcing them and leaving the rules vulnerable if former President Donald Trump regains the White House or a more conservative Congress is elected.

The holdup imperils efforts to clean up California’s polluted air and could thwart other states that have adopted California’s rules.

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“A Trump victory could jeopardize approval if it’s not been granted before this administration leaves office,” said Bill Magavern, policy director at Coalition for Clean Air. “The key deadline isn’t Election Day. It’s actually Jan. 19” — before the next presidential inauguration.

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