Former President, and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump declared on October 3 that if he wins the 2024 election, he will ensure no state can ban gasoline-powered cars or trucks.
Donald Trump is making the future of the auto industry a key campaign issue, particularly as he seeks to gain support in Michigan, a critical swing state home to the Detroit Three automakers.
Speaking at a rally in Saginaw, Michigan, Trump stated, “When I’m president, no state in America will be permitted to ban gas-powered cars or trucks, and I guarantee it — no way. You’re going to make them right here.”
Trump’s remarks come as part of an ongoing effort to appeal to Michigan voters, a group crucial to his election hopes. In August, Trump also mentioned that he is considering ending the electric vehicle (EV) tax credit, signaling his stance against the rapid transition to electric cars.
Trump’s position contrasts with policies in states like California, which has led the charge in setting aggressive targets for transitioning to EVs. In May 2023, California requested a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Air Act to require all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 to be electric or plug-in hybrids. This request builds on the state’s 2022 approval of a plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035.
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The initiative, already adopted by 11 other states, includes annual increases in zero-emission vehicle requirements starting in 2026. Despite California’s leadership in this area, Trump’s opposition underscores his broader skepticism of EV mandates and reflects his support for traditional auto manufacturing jobs.
President Joe Biden’s administration, while not endorsing a specific date to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles, has supported the transition to EVs through tax credits and grants. Biden aims for 50% of new vehicles to be electric by 2030, positioning this shift as crucial for U.S. competitiveness with China. The EPA, meanwhile, has enacted federal rules to cut vehicle emissions by 49% by 2032, with projections suggesting that 35-56% of new vehicles sold between 2030 and 2032 would need to be electric to meet these targets.
Automakers have expressed concerns over California’s ambitious 2035 plan, questioning whether it is feasible for other states where EV sales are significantly lower. Still, California estimates that its EV rules will reduce smog-causing pollution from light-duty vehicles by 25% by 2037, with an estimated cost of $210 billion but yielding benefits of $301 billion through 2040.
As Trump continues to campaign on this issue, his promise to prevent any ban on gasoline-powered cars stands in direct opposition to the policies being pursued by California and supported by the Biden administration, setting up a clear debate over the future of the American auto industry.
Source: Reuters