Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Oil Companies Challenging California's EV Regulations

In a significant 7-2 ruling, the Supreme Court allowed oil companies to continue their lawsuit challenging the EPA's approval of California's electric vehicle regulations. The decision, authored by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, emphasized that the government cannot target industries with stringent regulations while preventing them from challenging those rules in court.
California's 2012 regulations require automakers to limit greenhouse-gas emissions and produce a certain percentage of electric vehicles. Kavanaugh noted the EPA's inconsistent legal interpretations of the Clean Air Act under different presidential administrations. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals had previously dismissed the challenge, ruling that fuel producers lacked standing to sue.
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) President Chet Thompson praised the ruling, stating that California's mandates are unlawful and harmful to the country. The case underscores the ongoing debate over state versus federal authority in regulating emissions and advancing electric vehicle adoption.

Published: 6/22/2025