Statement: U.S. House Votes to Reverse California’s Clean Air Act Waivers, Putting Public Health at Risk

Statement: U.S. House Votes to Reverse California's Clean Air Act Waivers, Putting Public Health at Risk

Washington, D.C. (September 17, 2026) - This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two resolutions, introduced by Reps. Fong (R-CA) and Gallagher (R-CA), to overturn two California Clean Air Act waivers. The waivers allow California to regulate emissions from ocean-going vessels at berth and commercial harbor craft, helping protect people living in the state's densely populated port regions from harmful air pollution. It remains to be seen if the U.S. Senate will take up these resolutions.

Following is a statement from Sue Gander, Director, U.S. Transportation, World Resources Institute:

"The federal government's continued attacks on California's Clean Air Act waivers are playing politics with public health. Keeping these waivers in place would dramatically reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that pollute the air Californians breathe every day, while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

"This vote pulls the rug out from under ports and businesses that have already invested billions of dollars in low- and zero-emission berthing and harbor operations. It also creates uncertainty for future investment.

"The stakes extend beyond California. This alarming federal overreach could further undermine states' longstanding ability to adopt stronger protections for the health and well-being of their citizens."