President-elect Donald Trump is moving to revoke California’s authority to set stricter car emissions rules than federal standards. Weeks before Trump’s return to office, the Biden administration granted California waivers allowing it to exceed the Clean Air Act, shielding its ambitious environmental goals from Trump’s rollback efforts.
California’s plan to ban sales of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 has drawn praise from environmental groups but criticism from Trump and his allies, who call it government overreach. California Governor Gavin Newsom called Trump’s stance a “backward approach to progress.”
Industry groups like the Alliance for Automotive Innovation have voiced concerns about California’s electric vehicle mandates, citing economic risks and regulatory confusion. Republican lawmakers from California’s congressional delegation have also called on the EPA to block zero-emission mandates for commercial trucks, arguing the policy could harm small businesses.
Trump’s plan to revoke California’s waivers is part of a broader push to promote gas-powered vehicles and roll back Obama and Biden-era environmental policies. Critics argue the move would stall progress toward cleaner air, while supporters see it as a win for consumer choice and American energy production.
Automakers are left in limbo as regulatory uncertainty looms. Legal battles are expected as environmental advocates, industry leaders, and lawmakers brace for Trump’s next move.