President Donald Trump has signed legislation that halts California’s ambitious plan to phase out gas-powered car sales by 2035, marking a significant shift in the state’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Reported by Axios, this move revokes Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waivers that allowed California to set its own air quality standards, including the EV mandate. The decision pits federal authority against state innovation, raising questions about the future of EV adoption and regulatory battles in the U.S. auto industry.

Regulatory Shift Alters California’s EV Leadership

California, home to the nation’s largest car market with over 14 million registered vehicles, has long led EV adoption, supported by its Clean Air Act waivers. The state’s 2035 plan aimed to eliminate new gas car sales, a target that influenced roughly a dozen other states to follow suit.

However, Trump’s action on Thursday overturns this, effectively ending the phase-out timeline. The legislation also scraps separate EPA rules on truck emissions and nitrogen oxide, broadening its impact. This regulatory rollback stems from a Republican-led Senate resolution last month to revoke California’s waiver, a move now formalized by the president’s signature.

Trump Signs Bill Blocking California’s 2025 Gas Car Ban, Impacting Ev Future

California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta responded swiftly, announcing a lawsuit alongside 10 other state attorneys general. Bonta has already challenged the waiver revocation, arguing it undermines California’s authority to set its own standards. Newsom criticized the decision, stating, “Trump’s all-out assault on California continues — and this time he’s destroying our clean air and America’s global competitiveness in the process.” The legal battle could reshape how states balance local environmental goals with federal oversight.

Technical and Industry Implications for EV Enthusiasts

The reversal affects California’s Advanced Clean Cars II program, which mandated that 35% of new vehicle sales be zero-emission by 2026, rising to 68% by 2030, and 100% by 2035. This program drove automakers like Tesla and GM to invest heavily in EV production, with the state accounting for about 40% of U.S. EV sales in 2024. Now, manufacturers face uncertainty, potentially slowing the rollout of new models or charging infrastructure. For EV owners, this could delay access to affordable options and limit state incentives, which previously offered up to $7,000 in rebates for qualifying purchases.

The decision also highlights a broader industry trend: a tug-of-war between fossil fuel reliance and electrification. Eleven states, including Vermont, had aligned with California’s rules, but at least one (Vermont) has signaled it won’t enforce them due to logistical challenges. This fragmentation could complicate compliance for automakers, who must now navigate a patchwork of regulations across the U.S. Economically, the move may preserve jobs in traditional auto manufacturing, as Trump claimed, “We officially rescue the U.S. auto industry from destruction by terminating the California electric vehicle mandate once and for all.”

Future Outlook for EV Adoption and DroneXL Readers

For EVXL readers, this development signals a potential stall in California’s EV leadership, a state that pioneered charging networks and battery innovation. The lawsuit may restore some momentum, but a prolonged legal fight could delay progress by months or years. Meanwhile, the decision’s ripple effects might influence federal EV policies, impacting national sales targets of 50% zero-emission vehicles by 2030, as set by the Biden administration.

DroneXL readers might note a parallel: just as drone regulations evolve with federal and state input, EV rules now face a similar dynamic. Both industries rely on clear guidelines to foster growth. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders will watch closely, with California’s legal challenge offering a potential path to reinstate its EV vision. For now, the focus shifts to courtrooms and Capitol Hill, where the future of clean transportation hangs in the balance.