Federal Overreach BLOCKED — Trump Crushes California

President Trump’s DOJ launches lawsuits to crush California’s illegal EV mandates, defending federal law and American auto workers from Sacramento’s overreach.

Story Highlights

DOJ and NHTSA sue California in federal courts to block EV enforcement via unlawful “Clean Truck Partnership” after Trump-signed CRA revokes Biden waivers.
Federal preemption under Clean Air Act overrides state’s attempts to dictate nationwide vehicle standards, protecting consumer choice and industry jobs.
Auto industry cheers move as mandates threaten affordability and competitiveness; affects one-third of U.S. market through 11+ copycat states.
California countersues but faces escalating legal battles, highlighting Trump-Newsom feud over federal supremacy.

DOJ Files Suits to Enforce Federal Preemption

The U.S. Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pamela Bondi, filed complaints on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Illinois. These suits target the California Air Resources Board’s enforcement of electric vehicle mandates through state-specific mileage requirements. Federal law under the Clean Air Act prohibits such state actions, as they conflict with national standards. A parallel appellate filing seeks to enjoin the CARB’s Clean Truck Partnership, deemed an unlawful workaround after waiver revocation. Acting Assistant AG Adam Gustafson stressed enforcement of federal supremacy. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined as co-plaintiff to protect uniform fuel economy rules.

Trump Revokes Biden-Era Waivers via Congressional Review Act

On June 12, 2025, President Trump signed Congressional Review Act resolutions passed by Congress, nullifying EPA waivers granted in Biden’s final days. Those waivers allowed California’s push for 100% zero-emission passenger cars by 2035 and diesel truck cleanups. California historically used waivers to impose stricter emissions than federal rules, citing smog in Los Angeles and the Central Valley. Trump’s first term revoked similar waivers in 2019. Post-revocation, CARB shifted to voluntary partnerships with manufacturers to bypass the law, prompting DOJ action. This restores federal authority over vehicle standards nationwide.

Stakeholders Rally Behind Federal Action

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, led by CEO John Bozzella, supports the lawsuits, arguing EV mandates harm affordability, consumer choice, and U.S. competitiveness. These rules impact over 10 states adopting California’s standards, covering one-third of the auto market. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin requested the CRA revocations to rescue the industry from destructive policies. California Governor Gavin Newsom and AG Rob Bonta defend state autonomy, countersuing Trump over CRA use and securing EV infrastructure funds. Other states like New York and Washington join California’s side, amplifying the multistate challenge to federal power.

Legal experts note debates over CRA applicability to waivers, as flagged by the Senate Parliamentarian and GAO. Trump declares the rules fully preempted, framing the fight as essential for American jobs and energy independence. Industry views align with conservative priorities of limited government interference and market-driven innovation over forced EV transitions.

Trump DOJ Sues California to Kill Illegal EV Mandatehttps://t.co/SdmAQXg6AQ

— RedState (@RedState) March 12, 2026

Impacts Favor American Workers and Choice

Short-term effects include delays to California’s truck emissions enforcement, boosting gas vehicle sales and auto affordability. Potential federal sanctions or highway fund cuts loom if California fails air standards compliance. Long-term, the suits could dismantle the 2035 EV phaseout model, preserving jobs in manufacturing and countering reliance on foreign batteries. While California touts 2.4 million zero-emission vehicles and pollution reduction, uniform federal rules prevent one state from dictating national policy. This battle underscores partisan divides, with Trump prioritizing economic strength over climate agendas that ship jobs overseas.

Ongoing litigation in multiple courts promises a prolonged fight, with outcomes pivotal for emissions policy. Newsom’s executive order pushes new mandates, but federal preemption offers a victory for limited government and family budgets strained by overregulation.