This week, opponents of California's ambitious electric vehicle adoption goals, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, have taken their case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Energy companies, corn growers, and industrial associations have long opposed the state's stringent environmental regulations. California holds unique authority to request waivers from the EPA to set emissions standards stricter than federal regulations.

 

In their petition, Diamond Alternative Energy of Valero Energy Corp and other plaintiffs argued that California's EPA waiver for the Advanced Clean Cars program allows the state to function as a "quasi-federal regulator on global climate change." They cite the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling in West Virginia v. EPA, which mandates explicit Congressional authorization for significant regulatory actions.

 

Furthermore, they contend that California fails to meet the "compelling and extraordinary conditions" requirement to justify the waiver, asserting that climate change is a global rather than a local issue. They also argue that the state's emission standards will not have a discernible effect on global conditions.

The Supreme Court's review adds to existing lawsuits from oil companies, agricultural groups, transportation firms, and business associations challenging California's emissions reduction rules.

 

Other plaintiffs include the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Association, the Kansas Corn Growers Association, and the National Association of Convenience Stores.