The future of electric vehicles in California just hit a major roadblock. In a controversial move that could reshape the state’s ambitious climate goals, former President Trump has revoked California’s groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) regulations that would have banned the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035.

This decision marks a significant setback for California’s environmental policy, which has long been at the forefront of climate change mitigation strategies. The state’s original rule was designed to dramatically reduce carbon emissions by mandating a transition to zero-emission vehicles, positioning California as a national leader in sustainable transportation.

The EV regulations, first approved by the California Air Resources Board, were set to be a game-changer in the fight against climate change. Under the original plan, automakers would have been required to gradually increase the percentage of zero-emission vehicles in their sales, ultimately leading to a complete phase-out of gas-powered car sales by 2035.

With Trump’s intervention, the future of California’s green automotive landscape is now uncertain. The decision is expected to face immediate legal challenges from environmental groups and progressive state officials who view the EV mandate as crucial for addressing the climate crisis.

This political maneuver highlights the ongoing tension between federal rollbacks and state-level environmental initiatives. California has historically been a trailblazer in environmental regulations, often setting standards that other states and even the automotive industry eventually follow.

Environmental advocates are already mobilizing, promising to fight the decision through legal channels and continue pushing for aggressive climate action. The battle over California’s EV rules is far from over, and it represents a critical moment in the ongoing struggle to combat climate change and transition to sustainable transportation.

As the legal battles unfold, one thing remains clear: the future of transportation is electric, and California’s commitment to that vision remains unwavering, regardless of current political obstacles.