Did Congress just revoke WA’s gas car ban?

As goes California, so goes Washington. At least in the realm of vehicle-emissions standards.

That’s why Congress’ move to revoke a waiver for California under the federal Clean Air Act last month also jerked back Washington’s ability to mandate the sale of electric and hybrid cars by next decade.

In 2022, Washington lawmakers adopted a set of regulations, based on California’s, to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035 (and to transition away from gas-powered commercial vehicles). When Congress attacked the foundation of California’s policy, it pulled the rug out from under Washington as well.

Now the future of these electric vehicle mandates is uncertain.

Republican lawmakers carried the measure revoking the waiver in both the House and Senate, but Washington’s Democratic Rep