On Thursday, President Trump signed a congressional resolution that overturns California’s controversial rule that phases out the sale of gas-powered automobiles in the state.
That state rule, coming in 2035, is commonly referred to as California’s “EV mandate" for its 28 million licensed drivers. That is the highest number of licensed drivers in the country.
Trump also signed two more resolutions to block California from phasing out the sale of diesel-powered vehicles and from cutting tailpipe emissions from trucks.
Trump’s signature technically did not reverse the California rules but reversed approval given by the Biden administration, according to The Hill.
“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 ahead of the signing. “Today we’re saving California, and we’re saving our entire country from a disaster.”
Even before Trump had signed the resolution, California’s attorney general was telling reporters the state intends to sue in court to challenge Trump.
Larry Behrens, of Power the Future, tells AFN the organization was not surprised California is vowing to sue.
"When the Left is out of power, this is what they do," says Behrens. "They want to delay, disrupt and try to dismantle the things that the American people voted for just a few months ago."
President Trump is already feuding with California and its governor, Gavin Newsom, over tariffs, over protecting female athletes under Title IX, and over deploying troops to quell rioters.
