Trump Targets California’s Gas-Car Ban as Newsom Readies Legal Fight

President Donald Trump is poised to sign a congressional resolution that would dismantle California’s mandate to phase out gasoline-powered car sales by 2035, a move that has sparked fierce opposition from state leaders. The resolution targets the Environmental Protection Agency waiver enabling California’s ambitious plan, igniting a clash between federal oversight and state autonomy.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, flanked by Attorney General Rob Bonta, vowed to challenge the Trump administration in court, arguing the resolution misuses the Congressional Review Act. Newsom, a staunch advocate for electric vehicles, emphasized California’s role as a trailblazer in clean energy innovation, citing improved air quality and a booming EV market. Yet, he sidestepped concerns about rising gas prices, insisting consumers hold the wheel in choosing their vehicles.

Republicans, however, see the mandate as regulatory overreach. State Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) hailed the federal intervention, pointing to California’s strained energy grid and frequent rolling blackouts. “We’re already stretched thin—plugging in millions of EVs would crash the system,” he told WTFNewsRoom. Strickland argued the mandate ignores practical realities, like insufficient infrastructure and the high cost of transitioning to electric vehicles.

Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) celebrated the resolution’s bipartisan support, calling it a rejection of “Newsom’s radical environmental gamble.” Meanwhile, Newsom warned that reliance on volatile global oil markets leaves consumers vulnerable, advocating for greater energy independence through EVs.

As California braces for legal battles and rising fuel costs—exacerbated by upcoming refinery closures—the debate underscores deeper tensions over innovation, affordability, and federal versus state control.