“Congress just put America last”— NCL slams Senate for undermining clean air, consumer rights
Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829
Washington, DC – Today, the United States Senate passed three Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions that restrict states’ rights to establish robust tailpipe emission standards. Having passed the House of Representatives, these resolutions will now go to the President’s desk for signature.
“In the midst of a global race to develop and manufacture clean, efficient vehicles, Congress just put America last,” said Daniel Greene, Senior Director of Consumer Protection & Product Safety Policy. “This is a self-defeating attack on American manufacturing, affordability, health, and the environment. The effect on consumers will be disastrous: pain at the pump, dirtier air, more extreme weather, and a less economically competitive nation.”
Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may issue a waiver to the State of California to exceed federal emission standards for motor vehicles. Other states are permitted to adopt California’s standards. In 2024, the EPA provided California waivers for the State’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II), Advanced Clean Trucks, and Omnibus NOx rules. These standards, which have been adopted in whole or in part by 17 states, have nationwide benefits: conserving energy, combating the climate crisis, improving health, and reducing pain at the pump.
Please see this fact sheet detailing the CRAs and their effect on American competitiveness, affordability, health, and the environment.
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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
