Bill > SB00543

This bill proposes to amend section 22a-174g of the general statutes by removing the requirement for vehicles to comply with California vehicle emission standards and instead mandate compliance with federal vehicle emission standards. Context is important here: California has historically been allowed to set its own, often stricter vehicle emissions regulations due to its unique air quality challenges, and some states choose to follow California's standards instead of federal standards. This bill would require the state to align with federal emission standards, which are typically less stringent than California's. The change means that vehicles sold or registered in the state would need to meet only the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) emission requirements, rather than the more comprehensive California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards. The bill's purpose is to simplify vehicle emission regulations and potentially reduce compliance costs for vehicle manufacturers and consumers by adopting a single, nationwide standard.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB00543&which_year=2025