The Justice Department has sued California for effectively imposing an electric vehicle mandate through the state’s fuel economy standards.
California’s rules would force car manufacturers to upend their production lines to meet state rules that are stricter than the federal government’s, driving up prices and forcing EVs to market, DOJ said in a Thursday press release accompanying the lawsuit.
The department said the litigation works hand in hand with the Trump administration’s rollback of Biden-era auto standards designed to improve fuel economy, reduce pump prices and slash planet-warming emissions.
“Oppressive, expensive electric vehicle mandates drive up costs for American consumers and violate federal law,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi in a statement. “California is using unlawful policies from the last administration to create exorbitant costs for our citizens — this Department of Justice is proud to stand with President [Donald] Trump and [Transportation Secretary Sean] Duffy to bring litigation that will make life more affordable for American consumers.”