The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a significant blow to California’s climate agenda in a 7-2 decision, allowing energy producers to move forward with a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The case challenges California\u2019s aggressive green energy mandates, particularly its plan to make electric vehicles dominant by 2035. Even one liberal justice sided with the conservative majority, signaling bipartisan concern over the legality of California\u2019s regulations.<\/p>\n
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, writing for the majority, stated that the EPA cannot shield California\u2019s mandates from legal scrutiny by denying standing to those directly affected. He emphasized that businesses should not be barred from court when facing potentially unlawful regulations. The ruling highlighted the EPA\u2019s inconsistent legal stance regarding the Clean Air Act and California\u2019s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new vehicles.<\/p>\n
At the center of the lawsuit is California\u2019s 2012 request for EPA approval to enforce new rules on automakers\u2014rules requiring them to both limit emissions and manufacture a fixed percentage of electric vehicles. Critics argue these regulations overstep federal law and distort the intent of the Clean Air Act. Kavanaugh’s opinion signals that such sweeping mandates may not survive legal scrutiny.<\/p>\n
Chet Thompson, CEO of the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, praised the decision, stating that California\u2019s electric vehicle requirements are \u201cunlawful and bad for our country.\u201d He argued that Congress never gave the state power to ban gas-powered cars or mandate EVs through misinterpreted statutes.<\/p>\n
The ruling came just after another setback for Governor Gavin Newsom. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court decision and allowed President Trump to retain control over California\u2019s National Guard. The federal deployment had been challenged on constitutional grounds.<\/p>\n
Trump celebrated the appeals court\u2019s decision, crediting the National Guard\u2019s presence in Los Angeles with maintaining order amid rising unrest and protests.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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