More Republicans go after California air pollution rule waivers

By Amelia Davidson | 08/06/2026 06:19 AM EDT

The Trump administration wants to scrap more federal approvals for California emissions rules. Many House Republicans are eager to help.

Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) speaking with reporters.

Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) is planning to introduce a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act against a California Clean Air Act waiver. Francis Chung/POLITICO

Three House Republicans plan to introduce legislation Thursday that would scrap federal waivers that allow California to impose stricter air pollution standards for vehicles.

It is the latest — and most coordinated — move this year in an ongoing Republican attack on federal Clean Air Act waivers for California mandates, some of which date back to the Obama administration.

Congress last year eliminated three California waivers granted under former President Joe Biden. Now, the Trump administration wants federal lawmakers to kill four more waivers.

Advertisement

Reps. August Pfluger (R-Texas), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) are set to introduce separate resolutions of disapproval, a development first shared with POLITICO.