June 15th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Maryland House Republicans celebrated President Donald J. Trump’s signing of legislation to end California’s vehicle emissions standards that would ultimately ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles not only in California but in Maryland and other states. 

Today, President Trump signed House Joint Resolution 87 and House Joint Resolution 88 to disapprove the waivers the State of California received under the Clean Air Act to enact Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) and Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) emissions standards. Maryland has adopted both emissions standards under the California waiver.

“Today was a good day for Maryland’s automotive community and consumers,” said House Minority Leader Jason Buckel. “Artificial electric vehicle mandates do not work and can potentially be job killers in Maryland. Ending California’s crazy rules and, by extension, Maryland’s ability to rely on them was the right thing to do. We are grateful that Congress and the Trump Administration have taken this final step.”

Maryland first adopted the California Clean Cars standard in 2007. Governor Wes Moore adopted the California Advanced Clean Cars II and the Advanced Clean Trucks rules in 2023. Under the ACC II rules, by 2035, all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in Maryland must be zero-emission. Under the ACT, by 2035, Maryland’s zero-emission truck sales must comprise 55% of medium and heavy-duty pickup truck and van sales, 75% of box truck sales, and 40% of truck tractor sales. In April, Governor Moore issued an Executive Order delaying Maryland’s enforcement of these standards for two years. 

On January 29, Maryland House Republican leaders sent a letter to the Trump  Administration requesting that the Environmental Protection Agency rescind California’s waiver, which allows the state to set more stringent emissions regulations under the Clean Air Act.  On February 14, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin sent California’s waiver to Congress for repeal under the Congressional Review Act. Congress passed HJR 87 and HJR 88 in May. 

“Within days of President Trump’s inauguration, our Caucus reached out to his Administration requesting them to end these insane emission standards,” said House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy. “We are encouraged by the Administration’s swift action to end these extremist policies that the majority of Marylanders oppose. It is good to see that common sense has prevailed. The Maryland House Republican Caucus will continue to fight against radical leftist policies that hurt our economy.”