Summary
- US Supreme Court denied a petition from conservative states challenging California’s emissions limits
- California’s clean car standards have reduced pollution and promoted clean technologies
- California’s emissions standards have been a central component in vehicle emission technology advancements
- EPA has granted California more than 75 waivers for emission standards
- Legal disputes surrounding California’s emission standards could be influenced by future administrations
Article
On December 16, 2024, the US Supreme Court denied a petition filed by conservative states challenging California’s authority to enforce emissions limits on new cars and light trucks. The court only agreed to consider whether the fossil fuel companies challenging the law have standing to bring their claims. California’s clean car standards have been successful in reducing pollution and promoting clean technologies, with the EPA granting the state waivers under the Clean Air Act.
California has been a leader in emissions standards for new vehicles, with Congress recognizing its authority to set standards that are at least as protective as national standards. Since 1967, federal law has granted California waivers for its emission standards, and the state’s Clean Cars program has been adopted by 17 other states nationwide. The oil and gas industry, along with several states, challenged these waivers in 2023, but the US Court of Appeals upheld the EPA’s decision in 2024, prompting the Supreme Court petitions.
While the Supreme Court denied the constitutional challenges to California’s authority, there are concerns that the legal dispute could be impacted by the upcoming change in administration. Under the Trump administration, California’s waiver was rolled back, but the Biden administration reinstated it in 2022. California has set stringent rules to phase out the sale of gasoline cars by 2035, with 11 other states and the District of Columbia following suit.
The Biden administration has implemented more forgiving vehicle emissions standards compared to California, allowing for plug-in hybrids to be part of the transition to electric cars and trucks. The EPA engaged in negotiations with stakeholders to soften the regulations and promote the EV revolution. However, critics argue that the new administration may bring back stricter regulations under pressure from fossil fuel companies who supported the previous administration.
There are concerns about corruption and influences from fossil fuel companies on the government’s environmental policies. Critics argue that the previous administration may have been swayed by financial contributions from the industry to roll back pollution regulations. The battle between environmental groups promoting clean technology and fossil fuel interests is expected to continue under the new administration, prompting concerns about the future of emissions standards and clean energy policies in the US.
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