Trump Blocks California EV Mandates, Revokes Emissions Standards Waiver
President Donald Trump signed three resolutions on Thursday aimed at dismantling California’s authority to mandate electric vehicle (EV) sales and impose its own tailpipe emissions standards. The move marks a significant rollback of state-led climate initiatives, particularly California’s 2024 decision to phase out new gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035.
The resolutions also revoke California’s federal Clean Air Act waiver, which had allowed the state to enforce stricter emissions rules than the national standard. That waiver had been the foundation for 17 other states—representing about 30% of the U.S. vehicle market—to adopt similar pro-EV regulations. With the new measures in place, those states will no longer be able to implement California’s EV sales requirements or heavy-duty truck zero-emission mandates.
“Today, we officially rescued the U.S. auto industry from destruction by terminating the California electric vehicle mandate once and for all,” Trump said during a press conference at the White House.
California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the move, vowing to challenge it in court. “We will sue to stop this latest illegal action by a President who is a wholly-owned subsidiary of big polluters,” Newsom said in a statement.
The clash underscores rising tensions between Trump and Newsom, who have also been at odds over the president’s decision to deploy National Guard troops in Los Angeles amid protests against immigration enforcement. It also comes after a recent public rift between Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk—once a close ally—reportedly fueled in part by Trump’s opposition to EV policies. “Now we know why Elon doesn’t like me so much—which he does. Actually, he does,” Trump said, in a seemingly offhand remark during the press conference.
Automakers and trade associations largely praised the administration’s actions, citing a desire for regulatory consistency. “We’ve long supported one national standard that helps us remain competitive, invest in U.S. innovation, and offer customers a full range of options—from gas-powered to electric vehicles,” said a General Motors spokesperson in a statement.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin echoed the president’s position, arguing that California’s separate rules had restricted consumer choice across the country.
However, environmental groups and climate advocates condemned the decision, warning it will undercut progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and hand leadership in the EV industry to global competitors. “The biggest winners today are the oil industry and China,” said Michael Gerrard, director of Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law. “Electric vehicles threaten oil demand, and this move reinforces China’s dominance in the EV market.”
In 2024, China accounted for two-thirds of global electric vehicle sales, up from 50% in 2021.
“Rather than investing in domestic EV innovation and building a cleaner transportation future, this administration is pushing us backward and surrendering leadership to China,” said Katherine Garcia, director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All program. “We will continue fighting for clean transportation solutions nationwide.”
Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Association, welcomed the announcement, stating, “Today, common sense prevailed.”
