California Vehicle Waivers ‘Legally Solid’ as Trump Eyes Repeal

The EPA’s decision to focus its recent approval of California vehicle emissions regulations on traditional air pollutants instead of greenhouse gases could complicate any moves by an incoming Trump administration to undo the action, legal scholars say.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s justification for granting the two waivers—which allow California to supercharge zero-emission vehicle deliveries and strictly curb tailpipe emissions—mentioned climate-warming greenhouse gases but largely hinged on reducing soot and smog.

“The Biden administration tried to be very meticulous in drafting the waiver decisions in a way to best withstand judicial attack,” said Michael Gerrard, founder and faculty director of ...