US Senate blocks California’s ban on gas-powered cars

WASHINGTON

The US Senate on Thursday blocked a California program that bans gasoline-powered cars and other vehicles by 2035.

The upper chamber voted 51 to 44 and sent the measure to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.

The only Democrat who voted to block the California policy was Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan. Three Republicans and two Democrats did not vote.

The move is massive for the US vehicle market since 11 other states, representing a third of the US auto market, adopted to follow California’s plan and stop selling new gas-powered cars by 2035.