Eight States Challenge California's Electric Vehicle Mandate
Iowa Attorney General Leads the Charge
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has led a coalition of eight state attorneys general in filing a court brief challenging California's electric vehicle mandate. The mandate, which was passed in August 2022, requires all new cars and vehicles sold in California to be electric by 2035.
Supporting Ohio's Lawsuit
The coalition's amicus brief supports a lawsuit filed by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Yost's lawsuit argues that California's mandate violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The Commerce Clause gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, and Yost argues that California's mandate is an unlawful attempt to regulate commerce outside of its borders.
Coalition of Opposing States
The eight states that have joined Iowa in filing the amicus brief include:
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Texas
- Louisiana
Arguments Against the Mandate
The coalition's brief argues that California's mandate is:
- Unconstitutional
- Unworkable
- Harmful to the economy
The brief also argues that the mandate is based on flawed assumptions about the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. The brief cites research showing that electric vehicles emit more greenhouse gases than gasoline-powered vehicles when the lifecycle of the vehicle is considered.
Impact of the Challenge
It is unclear how the court will rule on the challenge to California's electric vehicle mandate. However, the coalition's brief could have a significant impact on the case. The brief provides the court with a detailed analysis of the legal and factual arguments against the mandate. It also shows that the mandate is not supported by a majority of states.
The outcome of this case could have a major impact on the future of electric vehicles in the United States. If the court strikes down California's mandate, it could discourage other states from adopting similar mandates. However, if the court upholds the mandate, it could lead to a wave of new electric vehicle mandates across the country.
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