Biden admin expected to offer California waiver to ban gas-powered cars by 2035: report
The Biden administration is considering granting California permission to ban new gas-powered cars in the state as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to undo several green energy policies next year. California has set an emissions standard to ban new gas cars by 2035, but this regulation requires a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to proceed.
According to the Washington Post, the EPA is planning to grant the waiver to allow California to set stricter emissions standards for electric vehicles than what is allowed by the federal government. The EPA is still reviewing the regulation to ensure that its decisions are legally sound and grounded in the law.
Just days before Biden’s term ends, the Supreme Court rejected a request from oil companies to challenge California’s constitutional authority to establish its own standards on electric vehicles. The California Air Resources Board has requested a waiver from the federal government to require that 22% of new cars sold be zero emissions by 2025 and to achieve a complete ban on gas cars by 2035, citing concerns about climate change.
The state’s waiver requests were challenged by conservative states and oil groups, but the Supreme Court denied their petition for review. Alice Henderson, director and lead counsel for the Transportation and Clean Air Policy for Environmental Defense Fund, praised the EPA’s decision to grant California the preemption waiver, stating that it ensures vital clean air protections for millions of people.
However, Trump reportedly plans to target California’s EV standards once he assumes office. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump criticized Biden’s actions related to California’s proposed EV mandate regulations. Trump’s campaign national press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that Trump would revoke federal EV requirements and any waiver issued for California by the Biden administration on his first day in office.
In response to this potential threat, California officials have allocated $25 million for a legal defense fund to “Trump proof” the state before the president-elect takes office. Governor Gavin Newsom plans to fight against any challenges to the state’s emissions standards for electric vehicles.
Overall, the decision to grant California the waiver to ban new gas-powered cars reflects the state’s commitment to combating climate change and promoting clean energy initiatives. It remains to be seen how the incoming administration will address these policies, but California is prepared to defend its environmental regulations against any attempts to roll them back.
