President Donald Trump signed a congressional resolution Thursday overturning California’s mandate to phase out new gas-powered car sales by 2035, reigniting tensions with the state over environmental policy.
The measure targets a rule approved under the Biden administration that granted California the authority to enforce stricter vehicle emissions standards. The Trump administration argues that the rule unfairly burdens the auto industry and exceeds federal regulatory limits.
.@POTUS officially signs into law three resolutions passed by Congress — ENDING California's electric vehicle mandate and emission standards once-and-for-all.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 12, 2025
Promises made, promises kept. pic.twitter.com/o2G2wZ1nVo
California, which accounts for roughly 12 percent of the U.S. population, says the rule is critical to fighting climate change and protecting public health. State officials estimate it would prevent nearly 1,300 cardiopulmonary deaths between 2026 and 2040.
The state, along with several others that adopted its standards, is preparing to sue. Legal experts question whether the Congressional Review Act applies, since both the Senate parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office determined the waiver was not subject to it.
