Sacramento, CA – California's ambitious plan to prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035 has been blocked by federal intervention, sparking renewed debate over state environmental policies and federal authority. The move comes as State Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, a prominent Republican and conservative activist, criticized California Democrats for a "long list of things that 'have no place' in CA," including gas-powered cars.
Governor Gavin Newsom's administration initially pushed for the 2035 ban on new gas car sales, a policy adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and supported by the Biden administration, which granted a waiver allowing the state to set stricter emissions standards. However, the U.S. Senate, in a vote on May 22, 2025, moved to block this rule, with President Donald Trump expected to sign the resolution. This legislative action, utilizing the Congressional Review Act, has been met with vows from California leaders to challenge the decision legally. The policy would not prevent Californians from owning or selling used gas-powered cars.
Carl DeMaio, chairman of the conservative grassroots organization Reform California, has been a vocal critic of what he terms "extreme policies" from the state's Democratic supermajority. "CA Democrats sure have a long list of things that 'have no place' in CA: -Jobs -Gas-powered cars -Plastic straws -Girls sports -2A rights -Citizen journalists like Nick Shirley ...etc.," DeMaio stated in a recent tweet, encapsulating a broad range of grievances. DeMaio, a State Assemblymember for the 75th District, has consistently advocated for fiscal reform and reduced government regulation, often clashing with both Democrats and establishment Republicans.
The federal action against the gas car ban underscores a persistent tension between California's progressive environmental goals and federal oversight, particularly under a Republican administration. The outcome of the legal challenges will significantly influence the state's ability to implement its climate agenda and could have broader implications for other states that often follow California's lead on environmental regulations.
