Donald Trump is resuming his slugfest with California — this time over the future of the car industry — more than a month before he takes office.
The Biden administration on Wednesday approved California’s request for stricter-than-federal vehicle emission standards that will require automakers to sell more electric vehicles, before effectively banning the sale of new gas-powered cars in 2035.
That policy is the centerpiece of California’s climate agenda and — given the state’s size and share of the national car market — has the potential to reshape the trajectory of the American auto industry. It’s also a major point of attack for Trump, congressional Republicans and industry groups, who’ve made it clear they aren’t ready to cede control to California and are prepared to do battle in court to decide the fate of electrification.
“Everybody’s gearing up for a showdown on zero-emission vehicles,” said Bill Magavern, policy director at environmental group Coalition for Clean Air.
