President Donald Trump signed three congressional resolutions to revoke California’s electric vehicle mandates and diesel engine restrictions. Celebrating the move, Trump declared it would “kill the California mandates forever,” arguing that the state’s rules, enabled by the Biden administration, gave undue influence to what he called “left-wing radicals.”
He criticized California’s push to ban new gas-powered cars by 2035, citing the state’s unreliable power grid as incompatible with such a transition.
The resolutions specifically target multiple Biden-era Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waivers. These included mandates that at least 80% of new vehicles sold in California be electric by 2035 and strict nitrogen oxide limits for heavy-duty and off-road vehicles.
Trump’s actions also block California’s plan to increase zero-emission trucks. His administration argued that these state-level measures, bolstered by special EPA permissions, undermined federal standards and economic stability.
Trump Asserts Legal Permanence as California Battles to Defend Its Climate Leadership
Trump emphasized the durability of the resolutions by noting they were passed under the Congressional Review Act, not by executive order, making them harder to reverse. “They can’t take us to court,” he asserted, underlining that the changes are permanent.
He signed the bills in the White House, flanked by key Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson and EPA Chief Lee Zeldin, whom Trump labeled the “most important man in the room.”
Trump Rolls Back California EV Mandates, Vows Permanent End to State Climate Rules Amid Legal ShowdownCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom, a vocal proponent of EV adoption, condemned the move as an attack on clean air and climate progress. Newsom has often positioned California as a climate leader, arguing that transitioning to zero-emission vehicles is vital to public health and environmental protection.
In contrast, Trump accused Newsom of gross mismanagement, referencing recent riots and wildfires and mocking the governor’s nickname as “Newscum.”
Trump explained that California’s influence extends beyond its borders, as 17 other states follow its vehicle emissions policies. This ripple effect, he argued, gave California de facto control over national automotive standards. Trump claimed the new legislation not only protects consumer choice but also stops what he called “the most ridiculous laws” from spreading nationwide.
Industry Cheers, California Sues as Trump Champions Fossil Fuels and Energy Independence
Industry leaders widely praised the move. American Trucking Association CEO Chris Spear declared, “This is not the United States of California,” lauding Trump for restoring certainty to the industry. Mike Sommers of the American Petroleum Institute called it a “major victory” for U.S. energy independence.
Automakers like General Motors also voiced support, emphasizing the need for a unified national emissions standard that balances environmental goals with economic realities.
California officials responded swiftly. Governor Newsom announced the state is suing the Trump administration, calling the action “illegal” and motivated by loyalty to “big polluters.” Attorney General Rob Bonta echoed these concerns, stating that the resolutions jeopardize both public health and clean energy jobs. California vowed to continue defending its environmental standards through the courts.
The revocation of California’s EV rules aligns with Trump’s broader energy agenda. As part of his 2024 campaign promise to restore American energy independence, Trump has signed executive orders rolling back environmental regulations, boosting oil and gas production, and revitalizing coal. His administration views such actions as essential to protecting American jobs and reducing reliance on foreign energy sources.