CALSTART Media Contact: Sasha Tenenbaum, stenenbaum@calstart.org, 917-887-0146

PASADENA, CA — On Thursday, March 12, the Justice Department announced a new lawsuit on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that aims to block California’s ability to set stricter-than-federal emissions standards for cars. The lawsuit is part of the Trump administration’s “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” initiative and targets both existing and future clean car rules, including standards that have been in place since 2012.

The administration has framed the lawsuit as an effort to lower vehicle costs for consumers, arguing that stronger emissions standards increase prices.

In response, CALSTART CEO Michael Berube issued the following statement:

CALSTART CEO Michael Berube

“Affordability isn’t just about the sticker price; it’s about what families pay every month to keep their vehicle on the road. Fuel costs remain one of the largest expenses in a monthly household budget, and predictability provides needed stability.

“At the same time, American companies are continuing to invest in clean transportation technologies to stay competitive globally and lead in the next generation of innovation and efficiency. Policy headwinds may slow the transition, but they won’t stop it.

“CALSTART will continue to engage with industry and lawmakers in support of a stable, competitive, and affordable clean transportation system.”

About CALSTART

CALSTART brings the clean transportation industry together to accelerate innovation and grow the market. Bridging government and industry with support from our members and partners, we scale affordable clean transportation options that cut air pollution and curb climate change.