H.R.2218 - Stop California from Advancing Regulatory Burden Act of 2025; Stop CARB Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2218, also known as the Stop CARB Act of 2025, aims to amend the Clean Air Act by eliminating the waiver that allows California to set its own vehicle emission standards. It also removes the authorization for other states to adopt California's standards. The bill seeks to centralize emission standards at the federal level.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would prevent California and other states from setting stricter vehicle emission standards than the federal government. This could lead to a rollback of certain environmental regulations related to vehicle emissions. The standardization could affect the automotive industry and potentially impact air quality in states that have adopted California's stricter standards.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower vehicle costs due to standardized manufacturing.
- Reduced regulatory complexity for auto manufacturers operating nationwide.
- Could lead to increased availability of certain vehicle types in all states.
- May streamline the process for introducing new vehicle technologies across the country.
- Could reduce compliance costs for businesses operating across multiple states.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced air quality in states that currently adhere to stricter California standards.
- May hinder innovation in emission control technologies driven by California's regulations.
- Could disproportionately affect communities vulnerable to air pollution.
- May limit states' ability to address specific environmental challenges.
- Potential conflict with states' rights to address environmental concerns.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the U.S. Constitution is complex. While the Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), states also possess certain powers to protect public health and welfare, often referred to as police powers. This bill could be viewed as an attempt by the federal government to preempt state authority in environmental regulation.
The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, raising questions about the extent to which Congress can restrict state environmental regulations. However, the Supremacy Clause (Article VI) dictates that federal laws are supreme to state laws when there is a conflict.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).