California and 10 States Sue Trump Over Repeal of 2035 EV Rules

A coalition of 11 states, led by California, has filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump to block his move to repeal landmark electric vehicle (EV) rules. The states argue that the U.S. Senate’s reversal of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waivers granted under President Biden is unlawful.

Trump recently signed resolutions voiding California’s mandate to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035 and its diesel engine regulations. The lawsuit, filed in a U.S. District Court in California, calls the repeal an illegal maneuver meant to sidestep proper regulatory procedures.

California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed Trump’s action, saying it harms clean air efforts and U.S. competitiveness. The plaintiffs include New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Washington state.

Trump’s repeal also ends California’s low-NOx rules and rising requirements for zero-emission trucks. Automakers like GM, Toyota, and Volkswagen welcomed the decision, claiming EV mandates are unworkable, expensive, and limit consumer choice.

The EPA responded by dismissing the lawsuit as meritless, asserting that Americans reject California’s strict policies. Meanwhile, a separate House bill threatens EV incentives, proposing to repeal the $7,500 tax credit and impose annual fees on electric vehicles.

Trump’s decision also diminishes the value of Tesla’s emissions credits and could reshape the U.S. EV industry’s future.