GM finally bends the knee to California’s authority to set vehicle pollution rules

The image is from Leonard Ortiz/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register.

General GM isn't done wiping the egg off its face from its misguided decision to back Donald Trump's failed effort to take away California's ability to set fuel efficiency standards. In a letter sent to the governor today, the automaker said it would be willing to provide an EV supplier for the state.

Three years ago, GM joined Toyota and Chrysler in supporting the Trump administration in its battle with the state over vehicle emission rules.

Three years ago, GM reversed its position.

California has historically been allowed to set its own emissions standards, which are tougher than federal guidelines, and typically set the bar for the entire auto industry in the US. California is the largest auto market in the US and the 10th largest in the world.

The Governor is ahawkins8223 on Scribd.

California stated that it would enforce the earlier, stricter standards after Trump said he would roll back the Obama-era fuel economy standards. The auto industry took sides in the legal battle.

The Trump administration tried to roll back the fuel efficiency mandate, but other major car companies refused to do so. Ford, Volkswagen, Honda, and BMW all supported California.

The effort was pointless after Trump was defeated.

The effort was pointless after Trump was defeated. GM scrambled to get on board after President Joe Biden announced his own plan to speed up the transition to electric vehicles. GM abandoned its support for the lawsuit two weeks after Trump lost.

The company is trying to get on the good side of California. The state will consider GM for fleet vehicle purchases. This is important as GM releases new electric work vehicles, such as the BrightDrop delivery vans and the Chevy Silverado EV pickup truck.

As part of the company's pursuit of a zero-emissions future, GM is joining California in its fight for clean air and emission reduction. The agreement will help accelerate California's commitment to tackling the climate crisis. We welcome GM in our revolution.

GM will stop selling gas-powered vehicles by 2040 and will spend $35 billion on electric and self-drive vehicles by the year 2025. California wants to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by the year 2035. Fourteen states have adopted the progressive zero-emission vehicle program for passenger vehicles, which has spurred the development of hybrid and fully electric cars.