WASHINGTON, June 22 (Reuters) – The state of California ‌sued the U.S. ‌Environmental Protection Agency on Monday after ​the agency sent the Republican-controlled Congress landmark state vehicle emissions rules for ‌potential ⁠repeal.

The EPA said waivers under the Clean ⁠Air Act for California environmental regulations approved under ​prior Democratic ​administrations ​should have ‌been sent to lawmakers under the Congressional Review Act.

California said the action was illegal and should be ‌blocked by ​the U.S. District ​Court ​in Washington, arguing ‌that the EPA ​was seeking ​to “wave a magic wand” and turn a ​waiver ‌into a rule.

(Reporting by ​David Shepardson; Editing by ​Mark Porter)