Battling the Winds of Change: Trump vs. California's EV Policies
Trump Officially Opposes California's Preference for Electric Vehicles through Legislative Measures - Trump Endorses Legislative Measures Opposing California's Support for Electric Vehicles
Trump's signature on the resolutions against California's pro-electric vehicle (EV) initiatives has ignited a tumultuous collision of politics and automobiles. In Trump's eyes, California's intentions to phase out internal combustion engines are a "national disaster." During his campaign, the U.S. President firmly opposed EV promotion and vowed to intensify the promotion of fossil fuels.
California, a pioneer in EV adoption, swiftly responded through a lawsuit. California Attorney General Rob Bonta slammed Trump's move, labeling it a reckless and illegal attack on the state's welfare, economy, and environment. Bonta asserted that the Trump administration's lawsuit marks the 26th time they're facing each other in court.
California's dominance in EV market share is indisputable. One out of four cars sold in California is an electric or hybrid vehicle, making it the largest market for EVs in the U.S.
This altercation between Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom unfolds in the midst of an ongoing dispute. After days of protest in Los Angeles, Trump dispatched National Guard soldiers and US Marine Corps special forces to the coastal city, defying Newsom's wishes. Trump aims to quell the persistent protests against his administration's deportation policies. Newsom consequently accused Trump of dictatorial behavior.
- Donald Trump
- California
- US President
- Electric Vehicle (EV)
- Resolution
- Vehicle
- Termination
- Automobile
Historically, California has held the unique privilege of obtaining waivers under the Clean Air Act, allowing the state to set its own emissions standards stricter than federal regulations. Trump's recent legislation revokes these waivers, obstructing California's plans to discontinue gas-powered vehicles and boost EV sales. This action aligns with an earlier Senate resolution aiming to discredit EPA policies targeting California vehicles.
The legal repercussions of this battle are far-reaching. Trump's revocation of California's Clean Air Act waivers empowers the federal government to police state-level environmental regulations, potentially limiting states' freedom to set stricter emissions standards and EV mandates. This could negatively affect a dozen other states that mimic California's regulatory strategies.
California's fierce legal response is evident. Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asserting that the revocation of California's Clean Air Act waivers is unlawful and undermines the state's sovereignty over environmental regulations. Trump's move poses a grave threat to California's clean air objectives and its competitive edge in the EV sector.
Beyond the lawsuit, Governor Newsom has issued an executive order to uphold California's EV objectives in defiance of federal resistance. This determination to lead the way in EV adoption and environmental innovation underscores California's unwavering commitment to its clean energy future, despite federal opposition.
The ongoing legal battle between California and the federal government will shape the course of EV policies in the U.S., impinging on both environmental regulation and state-federal relations.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/18/climate/trump-california-clean-air-act-waiver.html[2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2019/09/18/trump-administration-rescinds-california-waiver-greenhouse-gas-emissions/[3] https://www.worldstreetjournal.com/us-senate-would-revoke-californias-car-emission-waiver/[4] https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/18/trump-administration-rescinds-california-waiver-on-emissions.html[5] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-emissions/california-gavin-newsom-disputes-trumps-decision-to-revoke-state-autonomy-on-emissions-idUSKCN1W41K9[6] https://www.npr.org/2019/09/18/762965883/trump-administration-to-revoke-californias-autonomy-on-auto-emissions[7] https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/09/trump-administration-extend-waiver-california-emissions-standards/600282/
- In a legal response, California's Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the revocation of California's Clean Air Act waivers as unlawful and a breach of the state's sovereignty over environmental regulations.
- Despite the Trump administration's attempts to quell the ongoing protests against his deportation policies by dispatching National Guard soldiers and US Marine Corps special forces to Los Angeles, California Governor Gavin Newsom has accused President Trump of displaying dictatorial behavior.
- In a bid to uphold California's EV objectives in the face of federal resistance, Governor Newsom has issued an executive order, asserting the state's determination to lead the way in electric vehicle adoption and environmental innovation.
- The science community, concerned about climate change and environmental-science, has closely followed the unfolding conflict between President Trump and California, as they believe that the Trump administration's decisions regarding war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and politics have far-reaching implications for general-news, including the future of electric vehicles and the environment.
