A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction yesterday blocking actions by the Environmental Protection Agency targeting four Clean Air Act preemption waivers previously granted to California. Senior U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell granted the injunction and simultaneously denied the EPA’s motion to dismiss the case entirely.
The EPA had reclassified the four clean air waivers in an effort to enable Congress to pursue repeal of the waivers through an expedited process under the Congressional Review Act. The judge’s order requires the EPA to “restore the status quo” that existed before the agency announced the reclassification of these waivers.
California’s Clean Air Act waivers have historically enabled the state to establish its own air quality standards and vehicle emission requirements that are more stringent than federal regulations. The waivers address multiple aspects of air pollution control through various state-level standards. Environmental advocates contend that these waivers have contributed to public health protection and spurred development of cleaner vehicle and engine technologies over several decades.
The EPA had announced the reclassification in June 2026. Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, argued that the agency’s move was unlawful and that rescinding the waivers would primarily benefit oil industry interests while undermining public health protections. The court’s decision represents a setback for the EPA’s effort to overturn the regulatory framework that has governed California’s air quality standards.
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