Repealing California’s EV mandate restores power to the people

Excerpt:President Trump signed a congressional resolution Thursday to overturn a California regulation that would have allowed the state to mandate electric vehicles by 2035. Though the signing was followed almost immediately by a state lawsuit against the administration, it marked a huge win for American consumers, manufacturers and our economy.

By overturning these waivers, Congress and the president have reaffirmed the importance of consumer choice, economic freedom and practical energy policy. They are ensuring that Americans can continue to drive the vehicles that best suit their needs.

This repeal is celebrated as a big win for individual freedom, consumer choice and the rule of law, reflecting widespread sentiment that California’s policy overreached its authority and imposed a one-size-fits-all solution on our diverse nation.

The benefits of this repeal are many, starting with consumer choice. Not every American can afford or wants an electric vehicle. EVs remain expensive, with average prices significantly higher than gas-powered cars. For many families, especially in rural or suburban areas, gas-powered vehicles — particularly trucks and SUVs — remain the most practical and affordable option.

This action ensures that Americans are not forced into EVs that do not suit their needs. Range anxiety, limited charging infrastructure and long charging times are barriers to EV adoption. This is particularly so for renters in regions with harsh winters or sparse charging networks. Forcing EVs on drivers risks the livelihoods of those who depend on the reliability and versatility of gas engines, especially in industries like construction, agriculture and trucking.

Moreover, the repeal prevents California’s mandate and the 11 states that followed it from having a ripple effect nationwide. As a major market, California’s regulations influence automakers’ production decisions, dictating vehicle choices across the country.

A forced shift to EVs could have disrupted supply chains and led to an increased reliance on foreign battery production. By preserving the production of gas-powered vehicles, Congress supports a balanced approach that maintains economic stability while allowing EV technology to mature naturally.

The repeal also addresses energy security. EVs rely on an electrical grid that is not yet equipped to manage a massive influx of demand, already strained by artificial intelligence demand and the premature closure of reliable coal and natural gas electricity generation. In California, where rolling blackouts have occurred, EVs mandates would increase the risk of more energy shortages.

Gas-powered vehicles, powered by domestically produced fuel, reduce dependence on volatile global battery supply chains, which are often controlled by communist Chinese manufacturers. This decision is a commonsense resolution that prevents price spikes and preserves energy stability and consumer choice.

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• Frank Lasee is the president of Truth in Energy and Climate.