Judge Questions Federal Standing in California Vehicle Emissions Standards Lawsuit
The California Air Resources Board says the federal government lacks standing to challenge its zero-emission vehicle and greenhouse-gas rules.
In Sacramento, the California Air Resources Board asked a federal judge to dismiss the United States’ lawsuit contesting the state’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) and greenhouse-gas (GHG) regulations. Board attorney Caitlan McLoon argued the federal government has no standing because it has not demonstrated any actual impact from the rules, which phase out ZEV requirements after model year 2025 and peaked GHG reductions the same year.
Judge Daniel Calabretta, a Biden appointee, expressed skepticism, noting the government’s claim of a per-se injury but said the GHG claim would proceed, while leaving the ZEV claim unresolved. The government, represented by Ian Swenson, contended that the standards force manufacturers to purchase credits, constituting a concrete injury. Calabretta highlighted that the regulations are still in effect, suggesting a potential injury, but no decision was issued that day.
Why it matters
The ruling will shape California’s ability to enforce stricter vehicle emissions standards against federal challenges.
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