Remember when the entire United States could be accurately described as a free country? For some time now, many Democrat-led jurisdictions—whether they are cities, counties, or states—have been working to limit the freedom of their residents. California is a particularly notable example; once the heart of America’s car culture, the state is now attempting to enforce regulations on the types of vehicles residents can own through its controversial electric vehicle (EV) mandate.
In response, the Trump administration has initiated a lawsuit to challenge this mandate, arguing that it is illegal.
President Trump’s Justice Department & Transportation Department Sue to Stop California’s Illegal EV Mandate
“Oppressive, expensive electric vehicle mandates drive up costs for American consumers and violate federal law,” said @AGPamBondi. “California is using unlawful policies… pic.twitter.com/yRhlHbFQGo
— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) March 12, 2026
“Oppressive, expensive electric vehicle mandates drive up costs for American consumers and violate federal law,” said @AGPamBondi. “California is using unlawful policies from the last administration to create exorbitant costs for our citizens — this Department of Justice is proud to stand with @POTUS and @SecDuffy to bring litigation that will make life more affordable for American consumers.”
Here is the official press release, which says, in part:
President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Duffy created the “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” initiative to save the American people $109 billion over the next five years and save families $1,000 on the average cost of a new vehicle by resetting NHTSA’s corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. California’s scheme would force carmakers to radically revamp their production lines nationwide to meet standards more stringent than the national standards adopted by NHTSA. The deviation would send car prices through the roof, restrict consumer choice, and undermine interstate commerce.
California plans to limit consumer choices, which could negatively impact the auto industry both in the state and in neighboring regions. It seems as though California Democrats are intentionally trying to push productive individuals out of the once-Golden State.
The press release concludes:
This case challenges the state’s regulations as preempted under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which makes NHTSA the exclusive regulator of fuel economy in the United States.
The litigation involves defendants California’s Air Resources Board and its executive officer in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California.
California’s Governor, the hair-gelled Democrat Gavin Newsom, negotiated a waiver with the Biden administration. This waiver allows California’s Air Resources Board to adopt the 2022 Advanced Clean Cars II policy, which requires an increasing percentage of new cars and trucks sold in California to be “zero-emissions.” However, this claim is misleading; electric vehicles merely shift emissions to a different location. Energy is still needed to move a vehicle of a certain weight over a certain distance, and despite the optimistic beliefs of some governors, that energy does not come from thin air.
Additionally, due to Democratic policies, California’s energy sector is struggling and is on the verge of collapse for like the third time.
We’ll be keeping an eye on this case as it progresses. Stay tuned.
