SHOWDOWN: Feds Move to Kill California Car Ban

March 13, 2026

Electric vehicle connected to a charging station

The Trump Justice Department has filed federal lawsuits against California to terminate what it calls an illegal electric vehicle mandate that undermines federal authority and threatens to destroy America’s auto industry.

Story Snapshot

DOJ sues California to stop enforcement of EV mandates after Congress revoked Biden-era EPA waivers
California circumvented federal law through “Clean Truck Partnership” despite revocation of its authority
Lawsuit targets state’s attempt to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035, affecting one-third of U.S. auto market
Trump administration argues California’s actions violate federal preemption under Clean Air Act

Federal Government Takes Action Against State Overreach

The Department of Justice, representing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, filed multiple complaints in federal courts to halt California’s electric vehicle mandate enforcement. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy lead the effort to stop the California Air Resources Board from imposing state-specific mileage requirements on car manufacturers. The lawsuits were filed in the Eastern District of California and Northern District of Illinois, with parallel appellate court filings. Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson emphasized the importance of respecting federal law over state attempts to circumvent congressional action.

California’s Unlawful Workaround After Waiver Revocation

President Trump signed Congressional Review Act resolutions on June 12, 2025, revoking Biden-era EPA waivers that allowed California to impose stricter emissions standards than federal law. These waivers enabled California’s plan to phase out gas-powered cars by 2035 and implement stringent diesel truck regulations. After losing its legal authority, California created the “Clean Truck Partnership” with manufacturers to continue enforcing the preempted standards. Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order directing CARB to draft new mandates and ease EV charging requirements, defying the federal revocation and prompting the DOJ lawsuits.

Impact on American Auto Industry and Consumer Choice

The auto industry has strongly supported the Trump administration’s actions, with Alliance for Automotive Innovation CEO John Bozzella stating the mandates are “harmful to affordability, choice, competitiveness.” California’s rules affect more than ten states that follow its emissions standards, covering approximately one-third of the U.S. auto market. The federal lawsuit aims to prevent California from imposing nationwide requirements that would force manufacturers to prioritize electric vehicles over traditional options. Industry leaders argue these mandates destroy jobs, reduce consumer choice, and harm American competitiveness by forcing premature adoption of expensive technology many Americans cannot afford or do not want.

States’ Rights Versus Constitutional Federal Authority

California has historically used Clean Air Act waivers to address severe smog problems in Los Angeles and the Central Valley, but the Trump administration argues the state is now exceeding its constitutional boundaries. President Trump stated California’s rules are “fully preempted” by federal law. California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Governor Newsom filed countersuits against Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, claiming the Congressional Review Act does not apply to EPA waivers—a position contradicted by the Senate Parliamentarian and Government Accountability Office. The litigation represents an escalating battle between federal supremacy and state attempts to impose climate policies that impact the entire nation without congressional authorization.

Trump DOJ Sues California to Kill Illegal EV Mandatehttps://t.co/SdmAQXg6AQ

— RedState (@RedState) March 12, 2026

The ongoing legal battle will determine whether California can continue forcing its environmental agenda on the rest of America or whether federal law will prevail. Former NHTSA official Ann Carlson expects the Trump administration may threaten sanctions or highway funding cuts if California fails to meet federal air quality standards through lawful means. The outcome will shape the future of vehicle emissions policy nationwide, determining whether states can circumvent federal authority through creative partnerships or whether uniform federal standards will protect consumer choice and industry stability. This case strikes at the heart of constitutional federalism and the proper balance between state innovation and federal preemption.