Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) has announced her support for legislation aimed at reducing California’s influence over national emissions standards. As an original cosponsor of the Stop California from Advancing Regulatory Burden Act (Stop CARB Act), Hyde-Smith seeks to limit California’s ability to impose its environmental policies on other states, including Mississippi.

Introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), the bill aims to revoke California's Clean Air Act waiver exemptions and nullify any pending waiver requests. "The people of California might accept heavy-handed state regulations that dictate how they live, but Mississippians shouldn’t have to," stated Hyde-Smith. She added, "California has effectively weaponized its Clean Air Act waiver powers to force other states to adhere to more radical environmental rules. It’s time to end this abuse."

Senator Lee echoed these sentiments, stating, "By abusing the Clean Air Act’s waiver provision, California is effectively legislating for the entire nation. This overreach is disrupting supply chains, resulting in higher costs for families, a reduction of consumer choice, and increased shipping expenses." He emphasized that Congress never intended for one state to dictate emissions policy nationwide and stressed that the Stop CARB Act would confine California's regulatory power within its own borders.

For decades, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has leveraged federal waivers under the Clean Air Act to set stringent emissions standards. The state currently holds over 100 active waivers and continues to introduce new regulations aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, phasing out gas-powered vehicles, and influencing the sale of farming and construction equipment.

The proposed legislation would:

- Repeal California’s waiver exemption in Section 209 of the Clean Air Act.

- Repeal Section 177 of the Clean Air Act, which allows other states to adopt California’s emissions standards.

- Nullify any active or pending waivers granted to California.

Additional original cosponsors include U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.). Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Troy E. Nehls (R-Texas).

S.5038 is supported by various organizations including Heritage Action, Americans for Prosperity, American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, Competitive Enterprise Institute, and Association of American Railroads.