President Donald Trump approved a resolution on Thursday overturning California’s groundbreaking regulation prohibiting the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. California’s vehicle regulations, widely adopted by other states due to its significant car market, were designed to encourage electric vehicle adoption and reduce gas emissions to address climate change. The ban on gas-powered cars was scheduled to take effect in 2035.
California swiftly responded by declaring a legal challenge, with the state’s attorney general addressing the lawsuit in a news conference before Trump’s signing ceremony concluded at the White House.
Additionally, Trump signed three resolutions revoking California’s plan to phase out gas-powered cars and halt new sales by 2035. These measures also eliminate regulations ending the sale of medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles, reducing tailpipe emissions and nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks.
The resolution, passed by Congress last month, dealt a major blow to the state’s ambitious transition to electric vehicles, disrupting its long-standing efforts to address the country’s most severe air pollution.
Congress invoked the Congressional Review Act to nullify three waivers issued by the Biden administration, which allowed California to establish regulations for discontinuing gas-powered cars and diesel trucks. With Trump’s signature, the decision is now finalized.
The conflict between California, the Trump administration, and Congress underscores the deepening political divide over electric vehicles and air pollution policies.
California is already engaged in more than two dozen lawsuits against the Trump administration, with Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta announcing the latest legal challenge. Ten other states that follow California’s emissions regulations, including Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, also joined the lawsuit on Thursday.
For decades, California—home to the worst air pollution in the country—has secured waivers from the EPA, enabling it to enforce emissions standards that exceed federal regulations. Trump’s signing aligns with his decision to strengthen U.S. auto production and expand oil and gas extraction. Trump criticized California’s regulations, calling them ‘crazy’ and describing them as a disaster for the country.
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