On Thursday, Donald Trump did the right thing by signing a resolution. This resolution would prevent implementation of California’s pioneering new rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. This ruling is a huge victory and turning point in the regulatory fight. It underscores the continuing war between the Trump administration and the Democratic-controlled state of California. The move seems particularly out of step as Trump doubles down on his anti-EV rhetoric, calling into doubt the performance and reliability of the vehicles.
During a White House ceremony, Trump referred to California’s regulations as “crazy,” reflecting his administration’s long-standing opposition to the state’s environmental policies. He pointed to his record on the issues. When he was first elected, he canceled California’s right to set its own emissions standards. The Biden administration first reinstated this authority in 2022. At the same time, Trump has decided not to re-revoke it again, exposing a confounding love-hate relationship with the Hoosier state’s regulatory net.
In addition to blocking the gas-powered car ban, Trump signed three resolutions aimed at preventing California from phasing out the sale of these vehicles. This action aligns with Trump’s broader agenda to roll back regulations concerning air and water protection as well as emissions reduction.
Among the issues that made news during the ceremony were Trump’s misguided opinions on EVs. He expressed doubts about their reliability, stating, “If you want to buy electric, you can buy electric.” His remarks reflect his long-held skepticism of electric vehicles. He questions their viability in a market heavily tilted in favor of traditional combustion engines.
Trump’s statements even reached the growing electric-powered boating community. He contemplated the risks of drowning by electrocution should the boat capsize. With a chuckle, but with a serious intent, he said he would rather fall overboard and be attacked by a shark! “I’d take electrocution every single day,” he asserted, illustrating his disdain for the shift towards electric technologies.
Don’t even get me started on the windmills, his comments on other renewable energy sources were just as snarky. Trump claimed that windmills “are killing our country,” reinforcing his administration’s stance against what he perceives as detrimental environmental policies.
The scene of this regulatory face-off also features, ironically, friction with California’s own, long-time Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. Environmentalists and community groups herald the state as a champion for robust regulations to mitigate the effects of climate change. Newsom has criticized Trump’s efforts, stating that such actions come “at the direct expense of the health and the well-being of our people,” a sentiment echoed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Trump’s administration has previously come under fire for its treatment of other states, including Michigan. This means all aspects of their response to immigration, even as they fight big battles over regulations. Trump the other day announced that he was sending troops to Los Angeles to suppress immigration protests. This maneuver escalates his already-bitter feud with California’s leadership.
The clash over vehicle emissions is emblematic of a larger ideological divide between the Trump administration and California’s progressive agenda. Trump is doubling down on his campaign to stop the federal government from banning gas-powered cars. Depending on how this decision shakes out it may have enough impact to derail California’s environmental aspirations and potentially sway voters as the elections draw near.
