So, the EPA sets emissions rules for the country, on the grounds that it would be problematic for industry if there was a patchwork of 50 different sets of rules about this stuff. California got the feds to agree to let them set their own stricter limits, though, and allowed other states to sign on to also use California’s rules if they wanted to, which several did.
So I think what’s happening here is that the waivers are being rescinded. They’ve been in place for ages (at least 50 years, I think?) so it’s a huge departure from business as usual, but you know how Trump loves stomping on norms.
So, the EPA sets emissions rules for the country, on the grounds that it would be problematic for industry if there was a patchwork of 50 different sets of rules about this stuff. California got the feds to agree to let them set their own stricter limits, though, and allowed other states to sign on to also use California’s rules if they wanted to, which several did.
So I think what’s happening here is that the waivers are being rescinded. They’ve been in place for ages (at least 50 years, I think?) so it’s a huge departure from business as usual, but you know how Trump loves stomping on norms.
This article has some of the relevant points: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/22/nx-s1-5387729/senate-california-ev-air-pollution-waiver-revoked