Trump Admin Sues California to Block Electric Vehicle Mandate

The Justice Department says state rules violate the federal fuel economy law, which would drive up car prices nationwide.
Trump Admin Sues California to Block Electric Vehicle Mandate
Traffic backs up on the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge in Oakland, Calif., on Sept. 30, 2025. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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The Justice and Transportation Departments filed a lawsuit against California on Thursday to stop what they say is an illegal electric vehicle (EV) requirement, alleging that the state is mandating fuel economy standards that federal law places in the exclusive domain of the federal government.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the lawsuit, which was filed for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The suit takes aim at regulations formulated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which mandates automakers comply with stricter mileage standards via extensive EV assembly.

Kimberly Hayek
Kimberly Hayek
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Kimberly Hayek is a reporter for The Epoch Times. She covers California news and has worked as an editor and on scene at the U.S.-Mexico border during the 2018 migrant caravan crisis.