Trump’s Federal EV Rollbacks:
What Could It Mean for New York State?
President Donald Trump’s recent decision to roll back federal electric vehicle (EV) mandates has reignited debates over federal versus state authority. For states like New York, which have pursued aggressive environmental regulations under Governor Kathy Hochul, this move could lead to another costly legal battle that critics argue prioritizes ideology over practicality.
At the heart of the issue is the constitutional balance between the Supremacy Clause, which establishes federal law as the ultimate authority, and the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not explicitly granted to the federal government for the states. Hochul’s administration has leaned heavily on this latter principle to justify its sweeping environmental policies, such as mandating that all new vehicles sold in the state be electric or plug-in hybrids by 2035. Opponents contend that such policies stifle free-market competition and threaten the survival of car dealerships unable to meet these stringent requirements.
Governor Hochul has not hesitated to take on federal policies through the courts, often aligning with Attorney General Letitia James to counteract conservative initiatives. For instance, the Hochul administration ramped up legal preparations to oppose potential changes to reproductive rights and gun laws, even before any federal action was finalized. Additionally, Hochul signed the Climate Change Superfund Act, which forces oil and gas companies to pay for damages attributed to climate change. This measure, while popular with her progressive base, has drawn sharp criticism for targeting industries critical to economic growth and energy security. Legal challenges to this act are expected to be lengthy and costly, raising concerns about whether the state is misallocating resources for symbolic victories.
New York’s frequent legal challenges against federal environmental policies reflect a pattern of prioritizing progressive agendas. Supporters of these actions claim they uphold state sovereignty and address urgent environmental needs. However, detractors view them as unnecessary confrontations that disrupt national cohesion and impose steep financial burdens on taxpayers. Only time will tell what Hochul’s administration plans to do with Trump’s rollback on EVs but if history is an indicator Informed NY would say New Yorkers should buckle up for another costly legal battle.