House Committee Subpoenas California Officials Over EV Mandate
In a significant move, a House committee has subpoenaed California state officials for their lack of cooperation regarding records linked to an ongoing investigation into the state’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate. This situation follows a seven-month inquiry.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee sent a subpoena to Lauren Sanchez, the chair of the California Air Resources Board (CARB), asking for documents and communications related to regulations aimed at phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. California officials have been advocating for this transition.
“Mandating that Americans drive unreliable and costly EVs eliminates consumer choice, puts pressure on the power grid, raises expenses, and heightens reliance on entities associated with the Chinese Communist Party,” explained Brett Guthrie, the committee chairman.
Guthrie further emphasized the need for accountability from California and urged the state to promptly comply with the subpoena.
A spokesperson for CARB noted that the agency had already provided various information, including insights into California’s authority under the Clean Air Act and its efforts to protect public health.
Despite the Biden administration granting California a waiver to enforce these restrictions, former President Trump revoked it last June following bipartisan resolutions in Congress.
During a White House event, Trump claimed those resolutions would “permanently eliminate California’s mandate.”
However, Guthrie’s letter mentioned that California still “refuses to allow automakers to enter the market unless they agree to follow regulations that the CRA resolutions have already nullified.”
“After extensive discussions, CARB’s non-cooperation has led to this necessity for mandatory proceedings,” Guthrie wrote in his communication to Sanchez.
The resolutions aimed to revoke exemptions permitting states to impose stricter vehicle pollution standards than federal ones, which are outlined under the Clean Air Act.
These standards, including the Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Cars, and Large Omnibus Act-NOx regulations, were promoted by Governor Gavin Newsom and have influenced many other states.
According to Section 209(b) of the Clean Air Act, states cannot implement emissions standards for new vehicles that differ from federal standards without an approved waiver.
Following Trump’s actions, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and CARB, alongside ten other states’ officials, initiated a lawsuit against the administration, challenging the exemption from EV regulations.
This legal feud is now playing out in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
Additionally, Newsom signed an executive order in June 2025, revoking the waivers from CARB in an effort to reinforce the state’s commitment to reducing fossil fuel reliance.
Recently, the Justice Department also filed a lawsuit against California regarding its fuel efficiency standards, which they argue effectively mandate the use of EVs.
The House committee commenced its investigation in August, specifically seeking communications between CARB, the Governor’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office.
“Assessing these documents and interactions is vital to comprehend California’s actions regarding new vehicles and emission reduction plans, especially in light of last year’s CRA resolutions,” Guthrie remarked.
