Trump Blocks California's 2035 Gasoline Car Ban, Revokes Emission Standards

President Trump signed an executive order at the White House on June 12, effectively blocking California's plan to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. This decision halts California's ambitious goal to have at least 80% of new car sales be electric vehicles by that year, with an additional 20% being plug-in hybrid vehicles. The plan, which was adopted by 11 other states, would have covered a third of the U.S. automobile market.

Trump's executive order also revoked the Environmental Protection Agency's approval of California's "zero-emission heavy-duty truck increment plan" set for 2023. Furthermore, the order nullified California's low nitrogen oxide emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. These actions were seen as a victory for some automakers and oil companies who had argued that California's goals were unrealistic.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who signed the original executive order in 2020, has vowed to challenge the federal government's actions in court. Newsom stated that the federal government's actions are illegal and that California's regulations are crucial for reducing vehicle pollution and emissions. Environmental groups have also expressed their dismay, viewing the federal government's actions as a significant blow to efforts aimed at combating climate change and improving air quality.

The decision by Trump not only impacts California but also affects the 11 other states that had adopted similar regulations. These states, which together represent a substantial portion of the U.S. automobile market, will now face uncertainty regarding their own plans to transition to electric vehicles. The federal government's intervention underscores the ongoing debate between state and federal authorities over environmental regulations and the future of the automotive industry.