California is preparing to sue the federal government after the Republican-led Senate voted to revoke waivers that allowed the state to enforce strict emissions rules and phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035. The vote reversed an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decision made under the Biden administration, which had reinstated California’s authority to set its own clean air standards. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move as illegal and politically motivated, accusing Republicans of undermining environmental protections dating back to Nixon and Reagan.

Attorney General Rob Bonta also criticized the use of the Congressional Review Act to target California’s efforts, calling it a “reckless” and partisan misuse of power. California Senator Adam Schiff warned that the Senate action sets a dangerous precedent, accusing Republicans of weakening the filibuster on behalf of the oil industry. California officials vowed to defend their emissions authority in court, arguing the rollback threatens both environmental progress and economic competitiveness, particularly against global rivals like China.