Federal officials claim that the state’s regulations conflict with national fuel-economy standards.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has filed a lawsuit challenging California regulations related to vehicle emissions and fuel-economy requirements. Federal officials maintain that the state’s vehicle fuel economy mandate conflicts with federal law under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy created the “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” initiative to reduce the average cost of a new vehicle, lowering the NHTSA’s corporate average fuel economy standards.
“Oppressive, expensive electric vehicle mandates drive up costs for American consumers and violate federal law. California is using unlawful policies from the last administration to create exorbitant costs for their citizens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice is proud… to bring litigation that will make life more affordable for American consumers.”
The litigation names the California Air Resources Board as a defendant and involves participation from the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, led in part by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson, as well as NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Attorney General Bondi and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gustafson as they seek to ensure states adhere to federal law regarding fuel economy standards.
- For Secretary Duffy and Administrator Morrison as they review federal regulations for fuel economy and other rules that impact vehicle affordability.
- For discernment for district judges as they hear cases regarding the supremacy of the federal government over state laws.
Sources: Department of Justice, Department of Transportation
