California has long led the U.S. in environmental policy, especially in reducing air pollution and promoting electric vehicles (EVs).

However, a recent move by the U.S. Senate to challenge California’s ability to set its own vehicle emissions standards has sparked a legal and political conflict.

At stake is California’s decades-old authority to lead in clean air regulation, dating back to the 1960s and solidified by a federal waiver under the 1970 Clean Air Act. Continues…