Trump Cancels California EV Mandates in Regulatory Shake-Up
U.S. President Donald Trump is reversing key electric vehicle regulations, signing resolutions that block California’s ambitious green vehicle mandates. The move, confirmed by the White House, invalidates state rules requiring 80% of new car sales to be electric by 2035. California’s EV plan, adopted by 11 other states and covering nearly a third of the U.S. auto market, now faces federal nullification.
Trump’s action targets three EPA waivers issued under President Biden. One enabled California to enforce electric car targets, another approved zero-emission truck requirements, and a third related to low-nitrogen oxide standards for diesel engines. The automotive industry welcomed the rollback, citing unfeasible mandates and praising the administration for aligning regulations with market realities.
Auto giants including General Motors and Toyota, along with dealership groups, supported the repeal. Industry associations argued that aggressive EV sales goals were unsustainable and diverted resources to compliance credit schemes favoring companies like Tesla.
However, the move triggered strong backlash from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who pledged to challenge the repeal in court, citing the state’s long-standing Clean Air Act rights and potential $45 billion in health costs from increased pollution. Environmental advocates warn this could derail national clean energy progress.
As the legal showdown looms, the rollback marks a major shift in U.S. climate policy, with Trump doubling down on oil-friendly strategies and undercutting state-led green initiatives. The resolutions also fuel broader GOP efforts to dismantle EV incentives and emissions rules, with more legislation targeting EV tax credits and battery subsidies in the pipeline.
The debate now moves to the courts—and potentially to the 2025 election campaign trail.
