Congresswoman Torres Denounces House Republicans Attack on California’s Environmental Progress &Public Health
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Norma Torres issued the following statement in response to House Republicans pushing forward multiple joint resolutions of disapproval that target California’s landmark environmental policies and public health protections. The resolutions considered this week attempt to undo essential measures aimed at protecting California’s land and reducing air pollution; notably the Inland Empire has some of the worst air quality in the country.
"Once again, House Republican lawmakers are unlawfully attacking California’s efforts to lead the nation in fighting for environmental progress and protecting public health. These joint resolutions of disapproval are a blatant attempt to roll back critical environmental protections and funding that not only benefit California but have far-reaching impacts on the well-being of one of our nation's largest economies," said Congresswoman Torres.
“We cannot afford to let Washington dismantle the progress we’ve made in California, whether it’s in protecting our land, water, and air quality, ensuring clean air and water, or protecting our democratic institutions. The American people deserve better than partisan attacks that prioritize corporate interests over the health of our communities and the integrity of our democracy.”
Both the General Accountability Office (GAO) and the Senate Parliamentarian have ruled that a Congressional Review Act (CRA) veto is not allowed or appropriate waivers made by federal agencies- which is the case in three of the CRA resolutions being considered in the House.
Background: The resolutions include:
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Blocking California's Clean Truck Regulations and Emission Standards for Heavy-Duty Engines: This resolution would dismantle California’s efforts to reduce emissions from trucks and heavy-duty engines—critical to improving air quality and protecting public health, especially in disadvantaged communities.
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Rolling Back the Advanced Clean Cars II Program: This program requires automakers to increase the production and sales of zero-emission vehicles, setting pollution standards that ensure a cleaner future for Californians and help the nation achieve climate goals.
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Void California's Omnibus Low NOx Regulation: The regulation addresses harmful diesel engine pollution and significantly expands the state's efforts to transition to zero-emission trucks, a move crucial to improving air quality and reducing harmful pollutants that exacerbate asthma and other respiratory diseases.
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Nullifying the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Endangered Species Listing of the San Francisco Bay-Delta Longfin Smelt: This resolution seeks to remove protections for the longfin smelt, a critical species in the Bay-Delta ecosystem, and endanger the delicate balance of the region’s waterways.
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