California’s controversial electric vehicle mandate is under serious legal threat, and the U.S. Supreme Court just made a surprising move that could change everything.
For years, California has pushed aggressive green energy policies, aiming to dominate the electric vehicle market by 2035 as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s ambitious climate agenda.
But now, energy producers have taken their fight all the way to the Supreme Court. Their lawsuit challenges the state’s green mandates and the Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of them.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing the majority opinion, questioned the legitimacy of these regulations and the EPA’s shifting stance on the legal authority behind them. His words hint at serious flaws in how the mandates were approved.
The ruling comes amidst heightened political tension as California faces mounting resistance from industry groups and some federal officials.
The case also comes on the heels of other recent court decisions involving California’s policies and federal control measures that have stirred debate across the nation.
Then comes the reveal: in a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court sided against California’s radical electric vehicle rules. Shockingly, even one of the court’s liberal justices joined the conservative majority.
This decision clears the way for energy producers to continue their lawsuit against the EPA’s green mandate approvals. It also casts doubt on California’s legal ability to impose such sweeping regulations without federal oversight.
Chet Thompson, president and CEO of American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, praised the ruling, calling it a major victory for the industry and a rejection of California’s attempts to overreach its authority.
This ruling, combined with recent setbacks in other legal battles, raises serious questions about Governor Newsom’s climate plans and political standing as he eyes future ambitions.
