Action News Now: Senator Padilla fights GOP move to revoke California clean air waivers
By Will Anderson
United States Senator Alex Padilla of California criticized Senate Republicans for their attempt to bypass the Senate Parliamentarian and rescind California’s clean air waivers.
According to Senator Padilla, this move threatens both public health and environmental standards established by California.
Padilla, a ranking member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, delivered a speech condemning the Republicans’ efforts. He warned of the potential consequences if Republicans succeed in overruling the Parliamentarian to bypass the filibuster with a 50-vote threshold.
“It’s important for all of my colleagues to know that I will be back here again and again throughout this process,” Padilla said. He emphasized the impact on California’s ability to control toxic air and greenhouse gas emissions.
Padilla highlighted the hypocrisy of Republicans, who defended the filibuster in 2022. He noted that Majority Leader John Thune’s recent comments likened overriding the Parliamentarian to “killing the filibuster.”
Padilla warned that if Republicans set this precedent, Democrats could retaliate by challenging agency actions they oppose. Padilla cited potential reversals on issues like mining permits and vaccine approvals.
According to Padilla, Senate Republicans aim to use the Congressional Review Act to rescind California’s Clean Air Act waivers. Padilla, along with other Democratic leaders, warned of the dangerous consequences of this action.
Padilla has been vocal in defending California’s air quality protections. He previously placed a hold on four EPA nominees to protest the Republican actions.
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