A federal court ruled on Tuesday that California can continue to set its own vehicle emissions standards, a decision that comes two years after the Biden administration restored the state’s authority to do so. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit blocked an attempt by several Republican-led states, including Ohio, Alabama, and Texas, to revoke California’s ability to set standards that are stricter than those set by the federal government. California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the ruling, emphasizing the state’s leadership on climate policy and its efforts to combat vehicle emissions.
The ruling is significant as it comes ahead of a presidential election that could impact environmental regulations in California and nationwide. Former President Donald Trump’s administration had revoked California’s ability to enforce its own emissions standards in 2019, but President Biden later restored the state’s authority. Biden has pledged that zero-emission vehicles will make up half of new car and truck sales in the U.S. by 2030. Ohio had led a coalition of states in filing a petition in 2022 to block California’s ability to enforce its own vehicle emissions standards, arguing that it violated the Constitution and infringed upon federal government authority.
For decades, California has been able to seek a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set its own vehicle emission regulations, which are typically tougher than federal standards due to the state’s high population and air quality issues. Other states can choose to adopt California’s emission rules if they are approved by the federal government. Challenges to California’s authority to set vehicle emissions standards have been ongoing since the early 2000s, with the state often leading the way in successful and cost-effective regulations. Major automakers such as Ford, Honda, and Volkswagen have already agreed to follow California’s vehicle emission standards.
California is pushing for a waiver from the federal government to ban the sale of all new gas-powered cars by 2035. The state has also approved rules in recent years to phase out the sale of new fossil fuel-powered lawn mowers, large trucks that transport goods through ports, and diesel-powered trains. California’s efforts to combat vehicle emissions align with its broader goals of reducing air pollution and addressing climate change. The state’s leadership on environmental issues has garnered support from major automakers and residents who prioritize clean energy and sustainability.
The court ruling reaffirms California’s ability to fight the public health and environmental impacts of vehicle emissions. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized that the clean vehicle transition is already underway, with the industry moving towards more sustainable practices. California’s success in hitting climate goals ahead of schedule demonstrates the efficacy of its emissions standards and the state’s commitment to protecting communities from pollution and the climate crisis. The ongoing support from major automakers and the wider adoption of California’s standards are positive indicators of the state’s influence in shaping future environmental regulations.
