Attorney General Nick Brown of Washington has joined 11 other state attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its decision to challenge California’s authority to set its own vehicle emissions standards. California’s Clean Vehicles Program, which several states including Washington have adopted, sets stricter auto emissions standards than federal regulations.
According to the Washington Attorney General’s Office, California has historically received waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allowing it to enforce these standards. These waivers have not previously been subject to the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The Trump administration, however, has sent the waivers to Congress as “rules” in an effort to eliminate them using CRA procedures.
The lawsuit argues that this action goes against long-standing federal policy, disrupts the separation of powers, and limits states’ rights to implement their own environmental policies under the Clean Air Act. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington, and the state considers stricter emissions standards a key part of reducing pollution.
The states involved in the lawsuit include California, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. They are seeking to overturn the Trump administration’s move and restore California’s ability to set its own emissions standards, which other states can choose to follow.
