Trump Maneuvers to Outflank California Over Ban on Gasoline Cars

The Trump administration is delivering an initial strike against California car pollution regulations compelling zero-emission vehicle sales that the president says are strangling consumer choice.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said Friday he would formally subject the EPA’s approval of those California rules to congressional scrutiny, opening the door for lawmakers’ expedited repeal of the authorizations. The move responds to a clamor from carmakers, auto dealers and fuel producers that have called California’s standards unachievable.

Lee Zeldin in the Oval Office of the White House on Feb. 14.

Photographer: Samuel Corum/Sipa/Bloomberg

At issue are EPA decisions under former President Joe Biden to authorize three California car pollution regulations — including measures governing cars and ...