UP Gazette

U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin announced her decision to vote against California's proposed ban on future gas-powered vehicles, citing concerns over the potential impact on Michigan's auto industry and employment. This statement was released through the Senate press website.

"Michigan is the auto capital of the world, and as Michigan's U.S. Senator, I have a special responsibility to stand up for the more than one million Michiganders whose livelihoods depend on the U.S. auto industry," said Elissa Blair Slotkin, U.S. Senator (D). "This standard means car manufacturers, including the Big Three, will be forced to eventually stop the sale of gas-powered cars in these states or pay competitors, particularly Tesla, for credits to remain compliant. I continue to believe that American workers, Michigan workers, should be making the vehicles of the future. Let's make no bones about it, if this becomes law, China is poised to dominate that global marketplace for the foreseeable future at our expense."

According to Slotkin's press release, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may grant California a Clean Air Act waiver, allowing it to enforce stricter vehicle emissions standards. Slotkin expressed concern that such waivers could lead to fragmented national standards, negatively affecting manufacturers operating across multiple states and imposing additional regulatory burdens on workers and firms in the Midwest. She emphasized her duty to protect Michigan's economic interests, particularly its core manufacturing sectors.

NBC News reported that Slotkin highlighted that no state currently fully complies with California’s Advanced Clean Cars II standards. States like Virginia and Maryland have recently moved to slow or reverse similar emission regulations. For example, Virginia plans to withdraw from California's vehicle rules starting in 2025 due to economic and logistical concerns. This trend reflects national reluctance to align with California’s mandates and supports Slotkin’s argument that such standards may be impractical or politically unfeasible for widespread adoption.

CNBC noted that Slotkin said automakers might face challenges under California’s rules, potentially needing to stop selling gasoline-powered vehicles in compliant states or purchase costly regulatory credits from electric vehicle leaders like Tesla. Tesla has historically generated significant revenue from zero-emission vehicle credits, totaling $1.79 billion in 2023 alone. This system can create market distortions by penalizing traditional automakers while financially benefiting companies specializing in all-electric fleets.

Slotkin has a background in national service, beginning as a CIA analyst with three tours in Iraq before assuming senior national security roles under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. She served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs and briefed President Obama on critical security issues. Elected to Congress in 2018, she flipped a long-held Republican seat, served three House terms, and won a U.S. Senate seat representing Michigan in 2024, where she advocates for middle-class job creation, public safety, and domestic manufacturing.