Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the Senate floor regarding the California waiver rules under the Clean Air Act. He criticized the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to grant California waivers that set emissions standards impacting the entire nation, effectively imposing a nationwide electric vehicle mandate.

Thune stated, "The waivers in question allow California to implement a stringent electric vehicle mandate, which – given California’s size and the fact that a number of other states have signed on to California’s mandate – would end up not just affecting the state of California, but the whole country."

He expressed concerns about potential economic consequences such as diminished output, job losses, and reduced tax revenues. Additionally, he highlighted challenges for consumers like fewer choices and higher prices due to these mandates.

"Our nation is already facing serious problems on the energy supply front," Thune remarked. He emphasized that an increase in electric vehicles could strain an already fragile electric grid.

Thune also noted bipartisan support in the House for repealing California's mandate through a Congressional Review Act resolution. However, he pointed out procedural disputes in the Senate: "Democrats are attempting to derail a repeal by throwing a tantrum over a supposed procedural problem."

He questioned actions by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), stating it was unprecedented for them to declare an agency rule submitted as not being a rule.

"This debate...is not about destroying Senate procedure," Thune assured. He called for bipartisan support to uphold Senate rights under the Congressional Review Act despite Democrats' backing of what he termed as "the California Green New Deal rule."

Thune concluded by urging action against what he described as an improper expansion of authority that could harm consumers and energy supply: "I look forward to overturning these rules in the very near future."