SLC Times

Senator Mike Lee from Utah has introduced the Stop California from Advancing Regulatory Burden Act, known as the Stop CARB Act, in an effort to reduce California's influence over national emissions standards. This legislation aims to address concerns about the impact of California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations on businesses and consumers across the United States. The bill is co-sponsored by several senators including Bill Cassidy, Pete Ricketts, Roger Marshall, Steve Daines, James Risch, Rick Scott, Kevin Cramer, Dan Sullivan, Markwayne Mullin, Mike Crapo, Jim Justice, Shelley Moore Capito, and Ted Cruz. Congressman Troy E. Nehls has introduced a companion bill in the House.

"California has abused the Clean Air Act’s waiver provision for years," stated Senator Lee. "Fortunately, the rest of the country isn’t governed by far-left extremists like California." He emphasized that their legislation would help keep costs lower for American families and restore economic freedom.

Congressman Nehls echoed these sentiments: "The radical liberal state of California should never be able to govern for our great state of Texas."

The Clean Air Act of 1970 allowed California to apply for waivers enabling it to set higher emissions standards than federal levels. Currently holding over 100 active waivers, California's stringent requirements affect various industries nationwide. The Stop CARB Act proposes repealing these waivers and sections of the Clean Air Act that allow other states to adopt California's standards.

Organizations such as the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), American Petroleum Institute (API), American Trucking Associations (ATA), and American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) have endorsed this legislation.

Daren Bakst from CEI commented on California's influence: “California should not be setting what can amount to national emission standards for new motor vehicles.” Henry Hanscom from ATA expressed gratitude towards Senator Lee and Representative Nehls for their leadership in environmental regulation reform.