Does California Need Regulatory Authority from the Federal Government?

California has often had the regulatory authority to offer stricter standards than the Federal Government which might be a concern for some.

The question is whether or not this state should be able to have stricter standards for automotive emissions and air quality. Depending upon which side of the political coin you fall, you might have differing opinions on this topic.

The Current Administration is Considering Restoring the California Authority

The EPA, under the current presidential administration, is ready to reinstate the automotive emissions regulatory authority that was taken away under the previous administration. As this action begins to take place, the EPA is also working to gain input into a new action called Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule Part One: One National Program Rule (SAFE-1). While a long name, the idea is to require improved fuel mileage averages for all automakers.

The Longstanding California Air Resources Board Requirements

For many years, California has led the way with stricter than federal emissions standards for three aspects of what vehicles put into the atmosphere. These three areas are carbon monoxide, particulates, and oxides of nitrogen. CARB created a stricter set of standards than those used in the rest of the country and many other states adopted these standards to help clean up the air.

The Results Were Unquestionable

Whether you agree with reinstating the regulatory authority of California to have stricter standards or not, it’s hard to argue with the results. Photos of the air quality in major cities in California from a few decades ago compared to today prove that stricter air quality standards have worked to improve the environment in this state. This isn’t the only way that CARB has had an impact on air quality.

Hybrids and Electric Vehicle Sales Grew in California

For many years, California has been the largest market for electrified vehicles, and a new executive order was recently signed to begin to phase out the sale of retail and commercial vehicles using gasoline or diesel in the state. Will this movement be followed by the same 13 states that already adopt the CARB regulations? That’s something that’s yet to be seen but could be part of the future.

Shouldn’t There be One Federal Regulation and not Special Rules for California?

Part of the reasoning behind rescinding the regulatory authority of California was the desire to create a unified federal program that was the same for all states. Unfortunately, this didn’t take place before the previous presidential administration left office, but it does seem the EPA might be on the verge of creating the desired program that will become a federal mandate.

Whether you agree or disagree with California having its own regulatory authority over vehicle sales and air quality in its state, the regulations that were in place before 2017 are about to be back in place and may even be stricter. With most automakers working toward more electrified and hybrid models in their lineups, this might not be much of a story in the near future.