The U.S. Senate voted to block California's plan to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, a significant blow to electric vehicle adoption efforts.
Democrats and environmental advocates criticized the decision, viewing it as an intrusion into states' rights and a setback for climate efforts.
Supporters of blocking the ban argue it is about preserving consumer choice and protecting the auto industry from unrealistic mandates.
The clash reflects broader political shifts, with the Senate rolling back climate-related policies and California vowing to challenge the decision in court.