Statement by the President – Presidential Actions

6/12/2025

Briefings & Statements

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Action Summary

Legislative Measures: Signed H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, and H.J. Res. 89, which jointly disapprove specific EPA rules related to California’s motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards.
Targeted EPA Actions: The resolutions preempt California’s Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Omnibus Low NOX programs from being implemented under the Clean Air Act.
Federal vs. State Authority: Emphasizes that vehicle emissions standards should be set at the federal level to avoid a patchwork of state regulations, preserving the constitutional allocation of powers.
Electric Vehicle Mandate: Blocks California’s attempt to impose a nationwide electric vehicle mandate and regulate national fuel economy through state policies.
Future EPA Waivers: Under the Congressional Review Act, prevents the EPA from approving future waivers that are substantially similar to those disapproved, thereby ending California’s influence over national emissions standards.

Risks & Considerations

The preemption of California’s vehicle emissions standards could lead to a more uniform national policy, reducing regulatory complexity for automobile manufacturers. However, it may also slow the progress towards stricter emissions standards and the adoption of electric vehicles, potentially impacting environmental goals.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider the implications of these changes on its research and development initiatives, particularly those related to environmental science, engineering, and public policy. The shift in federal policy could affect funding opportunities and research priorities.
The decision to prevent California from setting its own emissions standards could lead to legal challenges and further political debate, creating an uncertain regulatory environment that may impact long-term planning for institutions involved in environmental research and advocacy.
There is a risk that the preemption of state-level emissions standards could hinder innovation in clean technology and reduce incentives for states to pursue aggressive environmental policies, potentially affecting collaborations and partnerships with state agencies and organizations.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may need to adjust its research focus and collaborations in response to changes in federal emissions standards and the reduced emphasis on electric vehicle technology.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment could see shifts in research funding and priorities, particularly in areas related to emissions reduction and clean energy technologies.
Public Policy Studies programs at Vanderbilt may need to incorporate these regulatory changes into their curriculum, providing students with insights into the evolving landscape of environmental policy and federalism.
Collaborations with state agencies and environmental organizations may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new federal policies and priorities.

Financial Impact

The preemption of California’s emissions standards could impact federal and state funding for research and development in clean technology and emissions reduction, potentially affecting grant opportunities for Vanderbilt University.
Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources and partnerships to support its environmental research initiatives, particularly if federal priorities shift away from aggressive emissions reduction strategies.
The changes in emissions standards could influence the market for electric vehicles and related technologies, potentially affecting industry partnerships and collaborations with Vanderbilt’s research programs.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in policy analysis and advocacy related to federalism and environmental regulation, potentially attracting funding and support from organizations interested in these issues.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential shifts in research priorities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Environmental and Energy Law Program should analyze the implications of the preemption of California’s vehicle emissions standards. This analysis can provide insights into how federal and state regulations might evolve, impacting research and policy development in environmental law.
The Vanderbilt Institute for Energy and Environment should explore opportunities to engage in research on alternative energy solutions and emissions reduction technologies. With the federal government taking a more centralized approach, there may be increased funding and collaboration opportunities in these areas.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor any changes in federal funding priorities related to vehicle emissions and energy policies. By staying informed, the university can better position itself to secure grants and partnerships that align with national priorities.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the broader implications of federalism and state rights in environmental policy. This research can contribute to academic discourse and inform public policy debates on the balance of power between state and federal governments.

Opportunities

The preemption of California’s emissions standards presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to innovate in the field of vehicle emissions technology. By developing new technologies that comply with federal standards, the school can contribute to advancements in sustainable transportation.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the centralized federal approach by establishing partnerships with federal agencies and industry leaders to advance research in clean energy and emissions reduction. These collaborations can enhance the university’s reputation as a leader in environmental research and innovation.
The emphasis on federal standards offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Environmental Management Studies to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence how federal policies are shaped and implemented.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to changes in federal and state environmental policies.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.4

Timeline for Implementation

N/A: The statement does not include any specific deadlines or timelines for compliance, as it only outlines the immediate legal disapproval of the EPA’s previously submitted rules.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA is directly affected as the joint resolutions disapprove its submitted rules related to California’s vehicle emission standards and restricts its authority to grant waivers under the Clean Air Act.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only one key Federal Agency—the EPA—is impacted by this action.)

Responsible Officials

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Tasked with implementing the directive to refrain from granting waivers that are “substantially the same” as those disapproved, thereby ensuring that California’s vehicle emissions programs are preempted under the Clean Air Act.

Relevance Score: 4 (The directive directly impacts the head of an agency responsible for setting and approving crucial regulatory standards.)