Congress has a short window to decide whether California can keep enforcing its rule phasing gas-powered small engines out of new equipment. For OPE manufacturers, distributors and dealers who sell into California, or who build product lines around it, the outcome will shape what can be sold there in the years ahead.

What California’s rule requires

The California Air Resources Board’s small off-road engine (SORE) amendments cover new equipment with small engines, such as mowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, generators and pressure washers. According to CARB:

  • Most new SORE equipment from model year 2024 on must meet zero-emission standards.
  • Portable generators and large pressure washers got tighter, but not zero, standards starting in model year 2024, and must be zero-emission from model year 2028.
  • The rule applies to manufacturers and new equipment only. Existing gas equipment can still be used and repaired.

EPA authorized the rule in December 2024, published in the Federal Register in January 2025.

What Congress is considering

On August 5, Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) introduced S.J.Res. 205, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn EPA’s authorization. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) filed a House companion, H.J.Res. 214. If both chambers pass the resolution and the President signs it, CARB could no longer enforce the affected requirements, and EPA could not approve a substantially similar rule without new authority from Congress. Congress used the same process in 2025 to overturn three California vehicle-emissions waivers.

As of the latest public record, the Senate resolution has 11 Republican cosponsors and sits in the Environment and Public Works Committee, with no floor vote yet. Industry groups say the Senate must act by about November 10 for the expedited CRA process to apply. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has said it “continues to oppose the SORE amendments and EPA’s authorization,” arguing the rule relies on flawed emissions data.

What it means for your business

  • Plan for either outcome. Until Congress acts, California’s requirements stay in effect, including the 2028 zero-emission deadline for generators and large pressure washers.
  • Talk to your suppliers. Ask manufacturers how their California product plans would change if the resolution passes or fails.
  • Watch the next two weeks. Congress returns from recess around November 9–10. OPEESA will report the result here.

Sources: CARB announcement of the SORE amendments; Federal Register notice of EPA’s decision, Jan. 6, 2025; S.J.Res. 205 bill status (GovInfo); Sen. Lummis press release, Aug. 2026; Powersports Business on OPEI’s position, Aug. 26, 2026; CETA updates on the SORE CRA.