President Donald Trump signed a resolution on Thursday which nullified California’s plan to phase out gas-powered car sales by 2035 thus escalating the ongoing dispute between the Democratic-led state and the federal government regarding environmental regulations.
The decision also revoked two federal regulations which targeted the reduction of smog and emissions from medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Trump declared at the White House ceremony that California’s vehicle rules were “crazy” while describing them as a disaster for the nation.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his opposition to the decision and announced plans to fight it through legal proceedings. The spokesperson for Newsom described the day as ending in Y to indicate another day of Trump’s California war.
The Trump administration continues its pattern of relaxing environmental regulations through this rollback which follows their recent attempt to repeal emissions standards for fossil fuel power plants. Trump has made two promises to support oil drilling operations and to revive the automotive industry.
The federal action violates California’s authority under the Clean Air Act according to Newsom who is a potential 2028 presidential candidate. The legal community predicts an intense fight will occur regarding state authority to establish environmental standards beyond federal regulations.
