WASHINGTON — The House voted 216-211 to repeal the Biden administration’s EPA approval of a California waiver that allowed stricter on-road engine emissions standards for boats in harbors, specifically ocean-going vessels under the Clean Air Act.
Three Democrats—Reps. Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, and Vicente Gonzalez of Texas—joined most Republicans in support. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania was the only Republican to vote no. The disapproval resolution now heads to the Senate.
What the waiver did
California has long used Clean Air Act waivers to set tougher rules than the federal floor. Ports argue local air quality demands stricter controls on ships that idle and maneuver near dense communities; industry groups say patchwork state rules raise costs for interstate and international commerce.
216-211: House voted to repeal the Biden Administration's EPA October 2023 approval of a waiver allowing California to impose more stringent emissions standards for ocean-going vessels. The disapproval resolution now heads to the Senate.
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) September 16, 2026
What comes next
Senate action is not guaranteed before the midterms. Even if both chambers pass the resolution, implementation details and litigation could follow. Port communities, shippers, and California regulators will all watch the Senate calendar closely.
