Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts has criticized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approving California's plan to ban gas-powered car sales by 2035. As the Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Safety, Ricketts expressed his disapproval of the decision.

"EPA bureaucrats shouldn’t approve such a reckless mandate in the closing days of this failed administration," Ricketts stated. "California’s mandate restricts freedom and ignores the high cost of EVs. It also disregards supply chain and infrastructure challenges and excludes American biofuels. I expect President Trump to revoke this delusional decision. Congress must pass the Preserving Choice in Vehicles Act to stop EPA bureaucrats from doing this again."

California sought a waiver under the Clean Air Act of 1970 to implement its "Advanced Clean Cars II" regulation. This regulation mandates that 35% of car sales be zero-emission vehicles by model year 2026, increasing to 68% by 2030, and reaching 100% by 2035. Eleven other states and Washington D.C., representing about 30% of the U.S. car market, are following California's lead.

Ricketts has been at the forefront of opposing Biden-Harris electric vehicle mandates. He spearheaded bipartisan legislation under the Congressional Review Act to overturn an EPA requirement that two-thirds of all new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. be electric vehicles by 2032. Additionally, he introduced the Flex Fuel Fairness Act to increase access to flex fuel vehicles and safeguard consumer choice while co-leading efforts on the Preserving Choice in Vehicles Act.