California sues US EPA over sending emissions rules to Congress for potential reversal
Source: Reuters
June 22, 2026 12:08 PM EDT Updated 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON, June 22 (Reuters) - The state of California sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday after the agency earlier this month sent the Republican-controlled Congress landmark state vehicle emissions rules for potential repeal.
The EPA said waivers under the Clean Air Act for California environmental regulations approved under prior Democratic administrations should have been sent to lawmakers under the Congressional Review Act. California said the action was illegal and should be blocked by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing that the EPA was seeking to "wave a magic wand" and turn a waiver into a rule.
"These latest illegal actions would mean more pollution, poorer air quality, more market uncertainty, and greater health risks for communities already overburdened by emissions,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta, noting the state has received more than 75 waivers for environmental actions. The EPA did not immediately comment.
The Trump administration has mounted a multi-pronged effort to deny California the ability to require cleaner vehicles and more electric vehicles. The EPA has also enacted rules making it easier for automakers to sell more gasoline-powered cars and trucks, while making it more expensive to buy EVs.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/california-sues-us-epa-over-sending-emissions-rules-congress-potential-reversal-2026-06-22/
Link to CA AG Bonta PRESS RELEASE - Attorney General Bonta Files Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration's Latest Attack on California's Clean Air Act Waivers, Clean Vehicles Program
Link to SUIT (PDF) - https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/Filed%20DDC%20complaint.pdf