California is suing to keep its strict vehicle emissions rules in place, challenging a Senate vote that threatens to overturn its authority. Meanwhile, state leaders are burning through taxpayer money in a legal fight many voters no longer support.
Key Facts:
- California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a new lawsuit against President Trump’s administration on Thursday.
- The lawsuit follows a U.S. Senate vote (51-44) to overturn three California emissions waivers approved by the Biden EPA.
- The waivers set stricter emissions rules and mandate all new vehicle sales be zero-emissions by 2035.
- California claims federal law allows it to set tougher standards under the Clean Air Act, while Senate Republicans argue Congress can revoke them using the Congressional Review Act.
- Newsom has allocated $50 million in state funds to battle the Trump administration in court, with 22 lawsuits already filed this year.
The Rest of The Story:
California continues to assert its power to set its own environmental rules under the Clean Air Act.
These waivers, granted by the EPA under President Biden, allow California to enforce stricter emissions regulations than those set by the federal government.
Two waivers affect heavy-duty vehicle tailpipe emissions and truck smog checks, while the third enforces a statewide ban on new gas-powered vehicle sales starting in 2035.
The Senate vote aimed to overturn those waivers, with Republicans citing the Congressional Review Act as their legal basis.
ICYMI: The 3 California vehicle emissions waivers disapproved by the House & Senate will go to @POTUS’ desk! Once signed, President Trump will officially have ELIMINATED the EV Mandate. Powering the Great American Comeback, driving down costs and ensuring Americans have CHOICE… pic.twitter.com/PDkW1dbSZg
— U.S. EPA (@EPA) May 22, 2025
Democrats argue this interpretation is flawed, citing rulings from the Senate parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office.
In response to the vote, California officials reaffirmed their intention to sue and keep the waivers in place.
This legal clash is the latest chapter in a long-standing dispute between California and the federal government over emissions rules, stretching back decades.
Gavin Newsom is throwing a temper tantrum because his mandate to end the sale of new gas powered vehicle vehicles by 2035 in California was overturned. pic.twitter.com/Xg9X8wWne4
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) May 22, 2025
California has now launched 22 lawsuits against the Trump administration since January.
Commentary:
At a time when California faces a massive budget shortfall, setting aside and seemingly spending $50 million on lawsuits is irresponsible.
That’s money the state doesn’t have, and the public isn’t demanding these court battles.
California’s emissions controls may have helped clean up pollution in the past, especially in smog-choked Los Angeles, but Newsom has pushed beyond reason.
Banning gas-powered cars by 2035 might sound bold, but the infrastructure and technology aren’t ready.
The power grid can’t support the added demand. Charging stations are nowhere near widespread enough.
Forcing these changes by fiat will cause more disruption than progress.
Meanwhile, California residents are already paying among the highest gas prices in the country.
These policies could easily push the state toward $8 per gallon gas.
And for what? Symbolic victories in court while everyday people suffer higher costs and fewer options.
Instead of using taxpayer money to fight political battles in court, Newsom should focus on revising regulations to keep energy prices reasonable and critical industries, like oil refining, functional.
A transition to cleaner energy is inevitable, but it needs to be practical—not political.
Trying to remake the auto industry overnight isn’t bold leadership. It’s bureaucratic overreach at the expense of taxpayers.
California should pause, reassess, and consider what’s actually possible before pushing an agenda the rest of the country hasn’t signed up for.
The Bottom Line:
California’s leadership is doubling down on sweeping emissions rules, using taxpayer dollars to fight in court—again.
But with mounting costs, unreliable infrastructure, and waning public support, this legal crusade could backfire.
Common sense regulation, not courtroom drama, is what Californians need now.
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