The Trump administration sued California over its zero-emission policies, which it argues are “effectively state-specific mileage requirements for car manufacturers,” the Justice Department said.
“Oppressive, expensive electric vehicle mandates drive up costs for American consumers and violate federal law,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “California is using unlawful policies from the last administration to create exorbitant costs for our citizens — this Department of Justice is proud to stand with President Trump and Secretary Duffy to bring litigation that will make life more affordable for American consumers.”
“I was proud to stand alongside President Trump to unveil our plan to eliminate the Biden-Buttigieg EV mandate and allow auto manufacturers to produce cars American families actually want to buy at a more affordable price. But Gavin Newsom is determined to continue pushing Democrats’ radical EV fantasy – even if doing so is illegal,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “Newsom may not care about lowering costs, but President Trump does. I want to thank Attorney General Bondi for fighting to protect consumer choice and stop activist governors from destroying our manufacturing sector.”
According to the filing, standards for “light-duty vehicles and ZEV [zero-emission vehicle] mandates threaten and harm the sovereign interest of the United States in the supremacy, enforcement, and application of federal law, as specifically enshrined in EPCA [Energy Policy and Conservation Act].” The mandates also “harm the interests of the United States in ensuring American consumers’ access to and choice of reliable, affordable motor vehicles.”
The lawsuit comes as President Trump and Duffy launched the “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” initiative in December, which adjusted the emissions standards under the Biden administration.
Last year, California sued the Trump administration following President Trump signing resolutions repealing the state’s climate-focused policies. On the same day as filing the lawsuit, Governor Gavin Newsom (D) signed an executive order doubling down on the state’s effort to move away from fossil fuel use.
