California Prepared for EPA Legal Showdown
Attorney General Rob Bonta is readying a Supreme Court challenge following the federal repeal of a key emissions finding.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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California Attorney General Rob Bonta is preparing for a Supreme Court battle against the EPA regarding the repeal of a 2009 endangerment finding. This legal action follows the finalization of the repeal in February, which eliminated federal authority to limit vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.
Why it matters
The 2009 finding served as the crucial legal foundation for national vehicle emissions standards. Without it, the EPA lacks the standing to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, prompting a coalition of 25 attorneys general to initiate legal challenges.
A coalition of 25 attorneys general is challenging the repeal of the 2009 finding, which previously served as the legal basis for federal greenhouse gas emission limits. California has filed 55 total lawsuits against the federal administration.
The players
Rob Bonta
Rob Bonta is the Attorney General of California who received 54.9% of the vote in the June 2 primary election.
Beryl Howell
Beryl Howell is a U.S. District Judge who issued a ruling on September 2 regarding EPA vehicle emissions waiver protocols.
Michael Gates
Michael Gates is a politician who received 40.6% of the vote in the June 2 California primary election.
The details
The repeal ended all current and future federal limits on greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. California is now leading a multistate coalition to contest the EPA's decision to reevaluate the legal foundation of the 2009 finding.
Timeline
March 19: A coalition challenged the EPA repeal in the D.C. Circuit.
June 2: California held an all-party primary election.
September 2: Judge Beryl Howell blocked an EPA move to declare emissions waivers as rules.
September 8-14: A Politico poll surveyed voter opinion on the 2035 gas car sales ban.
September 22: California filed lawsuits challenging offshore wind developer payments.
Roadmap
This litigation highlights the broader friction between federal deregulation and state-level environmental mandates. California's legal efforts represent a significant pushback against the rollback of the 2009 endangerment finding that long underpinned national vehicle emissions policy.
These legal developments occur as 54% of likely California voters oppose the state's 2035 target to end gas-powered car sales. The outcome of the federal challenge could significantly alter the implementation of long-term vehicle sales mandates.
The takeaway
The tension between federal regulatory changes and state environmental goals remains a primary driver of ongoing courtroom battles. Residents should monitor these proceedings, as they directly impact the legality of future state mandates regarding vehicle emissions and sales targets.
Further reading
For more on the state's transition, visit the California Electric Vehicles section.
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Should individual states have the authority to set environmental regulations that differ from federal rules?
