Trump administration sues California over state's nation-leading vehicle-emission rules

"President Donald Trump has long fought California's efforts to curb tailpipe emissions and spur electric vehicle adoption, and last summer he blocked the state's first-in-the-nation ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. He's also routinely criticized California's highest-in-the-nation gas prices, which are largely due to taxes and environmental regulations."

"Gas prices are soaring nationwide because of Trump's reckless choices, and now he's attacking the Golden State for trying to give Californians more freedom and cheaper options. It cost Californians $5.37 a gallon on average Thursday to fill up at the pump, according to the American Automobile Association. That's compared with a national average of $3.60 per gallon."

"After Trump blocked California's stringent electric vehicle mandates last year, the state quickly sued over the move. The California Air Resources Board then said previously adopted standards tackling emissions from cars that pose climate and public health risks would remain in effect even if the state's more ambitious rules remained blocked."

The Trump administration filed a lawsuit against California's air regulators over emission standards aimed at reducing vehicle pollution and encouraging electric vehicle adoption. Trump has consistently opposed California's environmental initiatives, including blocking the state's ban on new gas-powered car sales by 2035. California's gas prices remain the highest in the nation at $5.37 per gallon, compared to the national average of $3.60, driven by taxes and environmental regulations. Governor Newsom's office criticized the lawsuit, arguing it undermines consumer choice and cheaper energy options while gas prices surge due to geopolitical tensions. The California Air Resources Board maintains that existing emission standards will remain in effect despite federal opposition to more ambitious environmental rules.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles