Trump Blocks California EV Mandates, Rolling Back Biden-Era Emissions Rules

U.S. President Donald Trump will sign three congressional resolutions on Thursday to overturn California’s aggressive electric vehicle (EV) sales mandates and diesel engine regulations, a White House official confirmed. The move directly targets California’s plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035, a policy adopted by 11 other states representing nearly a third of the U.S. auto market.

Trump’s action, under the Congressional Review Act, reverses a 2023 EPA waiver granted during President Joe Biden’s term, which allowed California to mandate that 80% of new vehicles sold be electric by 2035. The resolutions also repeal EPA’s approval of California’s zero-emission heavy-duty truck rules and low-nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions standards for off-road engines.

The signing marks a significant win for automakers like General Motors, Toyota, and national auto dealer associations that had lobbied against the mandates, arguing they were unrealistic and harmful to market flexibility. GM stated the decision brings emissions regulations in line with current market conditions.

The American Petroleum Institute praised the move, calling it a victory for consumer choice, manufacturing, and energy independence. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom vowed legal action, citing a potential $45 billion increase in healthcare costs due to worsened air quality.

Environmental groups and EV advocates criticized the rollback, warning it threatens progress on climate goals and cleaner transportation. Since 1970, California has received over 100 EPA waivers under the Clean Air Act to enforce stricter emissions rules.

Separately, the House passed a bill to end the $7,500 EV tax credit, add a $250 annual EV fee, and scale back EV battery production incentives by 2028—further challenging the federal support for electric mobility.