President Donald Trump signed a series of joint resolutions under the Congressional Review Act that revoke California’s electric vehicle mandate that was approved by the Biden administration.
The resolutions that made their way to Trump’s desk merely revoke California’s electric vehicle (EV) mandate, which aims to ensure that every car sold in the state of California by the year 2035 is a zero-emission vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The rationale behind this state mandate is to reduce pollution and gas-emission-related illnesses and deaths.
The resolutions are H.J. Res. 87, H.J. Res. 88, and H.J. Res. 89. These each disapprove of a provision in the EV mandate.
“We officially rescue the US auto industry from destruction by terminating the California electric vehicle mandate once and for all,” Trump said at a Thursday signing ceremony.
The President criticized the prior Biden administration for giving leeway to California to move forward with its EV mandate.
“Under the previous administration, the federal government gave left-wing radicals in California dictatorial powers to control the future of the entire car industry,” Trump said. They approved Governor Gavin Newscum’s [Newsom] ridiculous plan to impose a 100% ban on all new gas powered cars within a very short period of time.”
According to Reuters, “The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing GM, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Stellantis,” and other carmakers are in favor of the repeal.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said California and ten other states are suing the Trump administration over blocking the mandate. Bonta, who has filed 26 suits against the Trump Administration, claims that the revocation is an “unprecedented and illegal use” of the CRA.
The President is following through on his goal of eliminating any EV mandates, announced on the first day of his second term.
