H.R. 10154: Protect America from CARB Act of 2026

This bill would change the Clean Air Act rules for certain California vehicle emissions standards and other state emissions standards that need federal approval.

What it would do

• Before the Environmental Protection Agency could grant certain waivers or authorizations for state emissions standards, the EPA would also need approval from four other federal officials:
  • the Secretary of Agriculture
  • the Secretary of Energy
  • the Secretary of the Interior
  • the Secretary of Transportation
• This new requirement would apply to waiver or authorization requests submitted on or after the date the bill becomes law.

Plain-language effect

Under current law, California can seek permission from the federal government to enforce vehicle emissions rules that are stricter than federal standards. This bill would add extra federal sign-offs before those kinds of approvals could be issued. In practice, that would make it harder and slower for such state standards to be adopted and enforced, because several cabinet departments would have to agree in addition to the existing process.

Who it affects

The bill is aimed mainly at state emissions standards, especially California’s vehicle emissions program and any other state rules that depend on federal waivers or authorization under the Clean Air Act. It would affect how those standards are reviewed and approved at the federal level.

Relevant Companies

• TSLA — Tesla could be affected if state emissions standards and related vehicle regulations are delayed, changed, or limited, since such rules can influence electric vehicle demand and compliance requirements.
• F — Ford could be affected by changes in emissions rule approvals, which may alter regulatory obligations for vehicle fleets and emissions compliance planning.
• GM — General Motors could be affected in a similar way, since state emissions standards can influence product planning, compliance costs, and vehicle lineup decisions.
• STLA — Stellantis could be affected by any change in the timing or scope of state emissions standards that apply to its U.S. vehicle sales.
• HMC — Honda could be affected if state-level emissions rules are harder to approve, as this may change compliance expectations for vehicles sold in the U.S.
• TM — Toyota could be affected for similar reasons, because stricter or delayed emissions standards can affect manufacturing and compliance strategies.