Photo courtesy of Congressman Doris Matsui

WASHINGTON D.C. (MPG) – On April 30, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), co-chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, released the following statement rebuking House Republicans’ effort to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Act waivers for California’s Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Cars II, and Heavy-Duty Low NOx Omnibus rules:

“The evidence is overwhelming: clean air saves lives. That is why I have spent my career in Congress fighting for stronger emissions standards and cracking down on toxic air pollution,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “For over 50 years, California has used its Clean Air Act authority to lead the way on strong, forward-thinking air pollution standards. Our policies serve as a national blueprint, showing how to cut emissions, drive innovation, create good jobs, lower costs at the pump and protect families from harmful pollutants. This is a blatant, unlawful attempt to undermine decades of progress and double down on dirty fossil fuels. We must stop wasting everyone’s time and start working for the American people.”

Last month, the Government Accountability Office reiterated a 2023 decision that California’s Clean Air Act waivers were not subject to the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The Senate Parliamentarian has affirmed this determination, ruling that the Congressional Review Act cannot be used to overturn California’s waivers.

Congresswoman Matsui has spearheaded efforts in Congress calling for stronger emissions standards for cars and trucks. Under the first Trump Administration, the congresswoman led opposition to President Trump’s attempts to revoke California’s pollution standards, and the Congresswoman successfully fought for the reinstatement of California’s authority under the Biden Administration.

In March 2021, she led a letter with 70 of her colleagues urging the Biden Administration to take action to reinstate California’s Clean Air Act waiver and restore the Obama-Biden tailpipe emission and fuel economy standards. In July 2021, she led a follow up letter with then Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone and 139 of her colleagues to reiterate the importance of reinstating the California Clean Air Act waiver.

Congresswoman Doris Matsui represents California’s Seventh Congressional District, which includes the communities of Elk Grove, Galt, West Sacramento, Wilton, Rancho Murieta, Vineyard, Isleton, Walnut Grove, Herald, Clay and the California Delta.