Trump Reverses California’s Gas Car Ban, Takes Swipe at Windmills and EVs
President Donald Trump instructed environmental officials to cancel nation-leading green energy policies put in place by Gov. Gavin Newsom under the Biden administration.
The decision, following a state-federal dispute between California and the Trump administration, dealt a major blow to California, where officials had mandated that the entire state become net-zero by 2045.
The key part of achieving that goal was a ban on gas-powered cars beginning in 2035.
Trump officially overturned the state law after signing three resolutions, passed by Congress last month, that nullify state-level attempts to ban gas-powered automobiles.
The bans focused on eliminating tailpipe emissions and nitrogen oxides produced by diesel trucks.
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Trump referred to Newsom’s signature law as “crazy.”
“No autopens allowed,” joked Trump.
“Lower prices, better cars, and choice,” he added. “It’s been a disaster for this country.”
The Thursday resolutions blocked the implementation of a California law banning the sale of medium- and heavy-duty diesel trucks.
They also halted measures aimed at cutting emissions from the tailpipes of trucks sold before 2035.
Trump expressed doubt about the ability of electric vehicles to become the dominant form of transportation on American roads.
Still, he made a point to acknowledge Tesla.
“I like Tesla,” Trump said, according to the AP.
The President also criticized the reliability of windmills, claiming they are “killing the country,” and made a colorful comparison involving electric-powered boats.
He joked about the choice between being electrocuted or eaten by a shark, saying: “I’ll take electrocution every single day.”
Trump emphasized that the current car market allows Americans the freedom to choose.
“If you want to buy electric, you can buy electric,” he told reporters in the East Wing.
Bill Kent, owner of California-based Kent Kwik convenience stores, attended the signing ceremony.
He praised the effect that Trump’s three orders would have on his business.
“What this does is it gives us freedom,” Kent said, noting he can now avoid being forced to install “infrastructure that, frankly, is extremely expensive and doesn’t give you any return.”
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation also supported Trump’s actions.
“Everyone agreed these EV sales mandates were never achievable and wildly unrealistic,” said John Bozzella, the group’s president and CEO, in a statement.