In a major policy reversal with sweeping implications for climate regulation, President Donald Trump signed three congressional resolutions on Thursday that effectively overturn California’s aggressive mandates on electric vehicle (EV) adoption and diesel emissions.
The move, executed under the Congressional Review Act, invalidates several environmental waivers previously granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Joe Biden and deals a significant blow to California’s climate agenda.
The resolutions signed by Trump target three core pillars of California’s environmental framework:
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California’s 2035 Gasoline Vehicle Ban
Trump rescinded a 2023 EPA waiver that allowed California to require 80% of new car sales to be electric and the remaining 20% plug-in hybrids by 2035. That plan had been adopted by 11 other states, representing nearly one-third of the U.S. auto market. -
Zero-Emission Heavy-Duty Truck Requirements
Another signed resolution repeals EPA approval for California’s rule mandating increasing numbers of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, such as commercial freight vehicles. -
Low-NOx Diesel Emissions Regulation
The third resolution revokes California’s stricter-than-federal limits on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions for heavy-duty highway and off-road diesel engines.
The rollback represents a major win for auto manufacturers, dealerships, and the oil and gas industry, many of whom had long opposed California’s regulations. Automakers like General Motors, Toyota, and others — represented by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation — argued that the mandates were economically unrealistic and threatened capital needed for a gradual EV transition.
“The fact is these EV sales mandates were never achievable,” said Alliance CEO John Bozzella, adding that compliance would have meant “diverting finite capital from the EV transition to purchase compliance credits from Tesla.”
Mike Sommers, President of the American Petroleum Institute, praised the move as a “major victory for American consumers, manufacturers, and U.S. energy security.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded swiftly, denouncing the action as “illegal” and promising a legal challenge. He estimated the repeals could cost state taxpayers $45 billion in increased health care costs due to worsened air quality.
Environmental groups also condemned the action, calling it a setback for clean air and climate progress, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by traffic and freight pollution.
