Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that the Senate will vote to repeal the Biden administration's electric vehicle mandate, which was implemented through the California Clean Air Act waiver. Speaking at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership, Thune emphasized the significance of this action.

Thune stated, "Most of the action this week is in the House of Representatives, but the Senate will be doing some important things this week." He explained that the vote aims to nullify what he described as an attempt by the Biden administration to impose an electric vehicle mandate nationwide. The rule, according to Thune, would have significant economic repercussions and has already affected 17 or 18 states.

"We are going to vote this week to do away with the Biden California mandate," Thune said. He criticized California's actions and their implications for other states, arguing that it effectively creates a national electric vehicle mandate.

Thune also addressed anticipated opposition from Democrats, clarifying that the issue does not involve the legislative filibuster. "This is the Congress and the United States Senate submitting to the body the question of whether or not the Government Accountability Office – the GAO – ought to be able to determine for us what it is and isn’t a rule," he explained.

He noted a disagreement between the administration and GAO on whether it constitutes a rule. "The administration says it’s a rule, [and] the GAO has said it’s not," Thune remarked. He expressed confidence that repealing this mandate would prevent what many believe could be a catastrophic outcome for the country.

Highlighting past efforts, Thune mentioned that 14 regulations from President Biden's administration had been repealed earlier in 2025 through Congressional Review Act measures. He concluded by stating that similar action would be taken against this particular mandate later in the week.