US Senate Revokes California Gas Car Ban, Reversing Emissions Rules

California faces significant environmental and regulatory challenges as lawmakers and industries clash over climate and clean energy policies. After devastating wildfires worsened by climate change, residents like Barbara Ishida aim to rebuild homes with fire-resistant, all-electric designs, supported by UC Berkeley research; however, the gas industry and utilities such as SoCalGas are lobbying to weaken clean air rules that would phase out polluting gas appliances. Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom is pushing aggressive reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act to facilitate urban housing and infrastructure projects, aiming to balance environmental protections with development needs. At the federal level, the U.S. Senate voted to overturn California's Advanced Clean Cars II emissions standards, halting the state's plan to phase out new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 and sparking criticism about the impact on public health and climate goals. These developments highlight a broader conflict between environmental ambitions and political, industry, and legislative resistance as California strives for carbon neutrality and cleaner air.