California sued the Trump administration Thursday to defend its ability to set tough vehicle emissions rules, minutes after President Donald Trump signed legislation to prevent the state’s electric vehicle mandate from taking effect.
Attorney General Rob Bonta (D), joined by attorneys general from 10 other blue states, filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, claiming that Trump’s move is an “unprecedented and illegal use” of the Congressional Review Act, which he said should apply only to federal rules.
Bonta, who noted the lawsuit was the 26th he’s filed against the administration since Trump took office in January, argued that the Clean Air Act waivers that give California the authority to set standards stricter than the federal government have never been considered rules subject to the Congressional Review Act.
“What we’re seeing is a thinly veiled attempt by the president to retaliate against California for choosing progress over regression,” Bonta said, charging that the rollback is not only unlawful but “irrational and wildly partisan” and comes at “the direct expense of the health and the well being of our people.”
