Trump Blocks California EV Mandates in Major Blow to Clean Car Rules

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to sign three Congressional Review Act resolutions on Thursday, overturning key California electric vehicle (EV) and emissions mandates. The move, confirmed by industry and congressional sources, halts California’s landmark plan to phase out gasoline-only vehicle sales by 2035—a policy already adopted by 11 other states, representing roughly one-third of the U.S. auto market.

One resolution repeals a waiver granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Biden administration, which allowed California to require that 80% of new vehicle sales be electric by 2035. Trump will also block California’s zero-emission heavy-duty truck rules and its low-nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions regulations for highway and off-road engines.

The rollback is a significant win for automakers like General Motors, Toyota, and other members of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. Industry leaders had argued that the EV mandates were unrealistic and would force automakers to buy costly compliance credits from Tesla instead of investing directly in EV development.

Environmental groups and California officials, however, strongly oppose the move. Governor Gavin Newsom vowed to fight the resolutions in court, warning the decision could burden California taxpayers with $45 billion in additional healthcare costs due to increased pollution. Since 1970, California has secured over 100 EPA waivers under the Clean Air Act to set stricter emissions standards.

These latest federal actions follow a broader legislative push to limit EV incentives. A recent House bill proposes ending the $7,500 EV tax credit, introducing a $250 annual EV fee, and phasing out EV battery tax incentives by 2028—potentially reshaping the future of electric mobility in the U.S.