US sues California over zero emission vehicle, greenhouse gas rules [View all]

Source: Reuters

March 12, 2026 9:01 AM EDT Updated 3 hours ago


WASHINGTON, March 12 (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Thursday sued the state ​of California, claiming the state's zero-emission vehicle and tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions ‌rules are illegal and preempted by federal law.

The U.S. Transportation Department sued the California Air Resources Board in U.S. District Court in California over vehicle rules that remain in place after President ​Donald Trump signed legislation last year to overturn California’s Advanced Clean Cars ​II rules that aim to phase out new gasoline-powered cars by 2035.

The ⁠lawsuit wants a ruling declaring that all zero-emission vehicle mandates by California are ​unlawful and unenforceable.
"This litigation will help automakers design and produce cars and trucks to ​meet one federal fuel economy regulation," said Jonathan Morrison, who heads the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

California won approval in 2022 from the Environmental Protection Agency for its current vehicle ​rules known as Advanced Clean Cars I, which the state says are still ​in effect. The California Air Resources Board did not immediately comment.This is the latest in a ‌series ⁠of efforts by the Trump administration to bar California from setting vehicle rules. In August, it sued California to stop the state from enforcing stringent emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us-sues-california-over-zero-emission-vehicle-greenhouse-gas-rules-2026-03-12/