US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at eliminating the Biden administration’s electric vehicle policies, which he claims is a “mandate” with no basis in reality. The move is part of a broader effort to weaken environmental standards and allow corporations to pollute more freely.
Trump declared a “national energy emergency” to justify his actions, but critics argue that it is an attempt to undermine the progress made by the Biden administration on climate change. The executive order aims to remove regulatory barriers to motor vehicle access, eliminate state emissions waivers, and consider eliminating unfair subsidies for electric vehicles.
The plan also includes pausing funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and reviewing existing regulations that impose “undue burdens” on consumer choice of vehicles. This is likely a reference to tailpipe emission standards, which Trump seeks to weaken.
Trump’s actions come as the auto industry has already invested heavily in electric vehicle development, with sales increasing by 7.3% in 2024. However, the move may harm the environment, as burning fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
The executive order also gestures towards ramping up mining efforts for rare earth minerals used in advanced technologies, including electric vehicles. This move is seen as a response to Trump’s interest in Greenland, which has an abundance of these materials.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/20/24347980/trump-ev-order-carbon-emission-rule