The live stream of this significant event is set to commence at 11 a.m. ET. If you do not see the player above at that time, please refresh the page for updates. On Thursday, President Donald Trump is taking a decisive step by signing three congressional resolutions aimed at dismantling California's ambitious plans to promote electric vehicles and gradually phase out diesel engines and the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035.
California's electric vehicle initiative has been adopted by 11 other states, reflecting a significant shift towards sustainable transportation. However, President Trump criticized this initiative, stating, "It's been a disaster for this country." During his remarks at the White House, he declared, "We officially rescue the U.S. auto industry from destruction by terminating California's electric vehicle mandate," emphasizing his administration’s commitment to reversing what he views as detrimental policies.
Major automotive companies such as General Motors and Toyota have actively lobbied against California's stringent regulations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Biden administration, granted California a waiver in December, enabling the state to enforce a mandate requiring that most automotive sales be electric vehicles. Trump condemned this move, stating, "Under the previous administration, the federal government gave left-wing radicals in California dictatorial powers to control the future of the entire car industry, all over the country, all over the world, actually." He argued that this would complicate manufacturing processes, noting, "Because they have to build a car, they can't build 19 different cars called the same thing."
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded strongly to Trump’s resolutions aimed at undoing the state's electric vehicle plan. In May, he criticized the efforts, stating, "Big polluters and the right-wing propaganda machine have succeeded in buying off the Republican Party." Newsom's comments highlight the ongoing tension between state-level environmental initiatives and federal regulatory actions.
This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the future of transportation in the United States, as the country grapples with the balance between environmental sustainability and industry interests. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders from various sectors will be closely monitoring the implications of these resolutions on the automotive industry and environmental policies.
