US President Donald Trump has signed a new law to block California's plan to ban the sale of new gasoline-powered cars by 2035, triggering another political and legal battle with California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
In a meeting with Republicans, Trump called California's clean car policy a "disaster" and claimed he had "saved" the US auto industry from being forced to use electric vehicles.
He also disparaged the state's green policies, including electric vehicles, wind turbines and hydrogen, likening hydrogen explosions to a "go away, gonzo" situation.
In response, Newsom and California's attorney general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing the president of launching an "all-out attack" on the state's climate policy.
Trump's move also revoked a special Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval that had allowed California to set stricter pollution standards than federal regulations.
This privilege is not only a cornerstone of California's climate policy, but has been replicated by 11 other states representing about 40% of the U.S. auto market.
Trump's move has raised concerns among environmental activists, who say the decision bows to pressure from the oil industry lobby and will undermine progress on climate change.
But supporters of the new policy, including General Motors (GM) and major logistics companies, say it will restore national policy stability and provide consumers with more choice.
The legal battle is expected to be a key battleground in the debate over the future of climate policy and the American auto industry.
