Under Trump, California’s clean car rules are essential — and vulnerable
The federal government has scrapped its rules lowering vehicle emissions, and it's going after California's.
The Trump administration nearly entirely dismantled the federal government's regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from cars on Monday, announcing a final plan to ease fuel-efficiency requirements. However, the state of California still possesses enough sway and regulatory authority to push automakers towards greater fuel efficiency.
California's vehicle emissions rules remain in effect, setting a baseline that automakers cannot fall below without facing potential penalties. The state's special exemption, established over half a century ago, grants it unique authority to regulate tailpipe emissions, which indirectly impacts fuel efficiency. California's rules have far-reaching effects beyond its borders, with 19 states adopting its regulations, including 40% of new car sales in the U.S. in 2022.
The administration has attempted to strip California's special emissions regulations, but for now, the Golden State's regulations remain the most important government policy on vehicle emissions in the country.
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