Congressman David G. Valadao, representing California’s 22nd district, has led the California Republican delegation in requesting that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deny California’s waiver request to implement the Advanced Clean Fleets rule. The Washington Examiner first reported this development.
The proposed rule aims to enforce stringent emission requirements with a goal of achieving a fully zero-emission fleet in California by the mid-2040s. Currently, 17 states are involved in legal action against the California Air Resources Board over this rule.
“While we support efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality, we believe this waiver is unjustified and could have significant negative impacts on our economy and the livelihoods of many Californians,” stated Congressman Valadao and his colleagues.
The lawmakers also expressed concerns about potential price increases for consumers if the rule were adopted. “The transition to ZEVs would result in higher transportation costs for the food supply chain, ultimately pressuring and increasing prices for consumers,” they wrote.
Joining Rep. Valadao in signing the letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan were Reps. Ken Calvert (CA-41), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Young Kim (CA-40), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Michelle Steel (CA-45), John Duarte (CA-13), Mike Garcia (CA-27), Darrell Issa (CA-48), and Vince Fong (CA-20).
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