Trump ends electric vehicle mandate in the US

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On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed executive orders to reverse several key policies of the Biden administration, particularly those targeting electric vehicles (EVs) and environmental regulations. 

Trump’s actions include an order to eliminate what Biden inaccurately described as a “mandate” for EVs despite the absence of such a mandate. 

This move damages regulations designed to incentivize EV adoption and curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Another executive order signaled Trump’s intention to cut tailpipe emission standards, potentially increasing pollution and reversing progress made to combat climate change.

Trump announces a national energy emergency

These orders are part of Trump’s effort to dismantle Biden-era climate policies. He declared a “national energy emergency,” a measure intended to relax environmental standards and encourage more industrial pollution. (Via: TheVerge)

Trump also directed agency heads to identify regulations that he claims hinder “consumer choice of vehicles,” implicitly targeting emission standards and EV-supportive measures.

Biden’s policies included federal tax credits for EV purchases, over $7 billion in funding for expanding EV charging infrastructure, and significant incentives for manufacturing EVs and batteries. 

These initiatives aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make EVs more affordable for consumers.

Trump’s rollbacks, however, come as automakers have already heavily invested in EV development, spending billions to meet consumer demand and stricter global emissions standards. 

Despite EV market momentum, reducing tailpipe emissions standards may allow automakers to produce more polluting vehicles, hindering environmental progress.

Additionally, Trump has indicated plans to ramp up mining operations for rare earth minerals, which are critical for technologies like EV batteries and weaponry.

His focus on these materials may also explain his renewed interest in Greenland, known for its mineral wealth.

Critics argue these actions prioritize short-term industrial growth over long-term environmental sustainability, worsening climate change impacts like extreme weather events linked to greenhouse gas emissions.

What do you think about this policy change? Do you support this decision or are you opposed to it? We want to know your thoughts on the EV/ICE debate below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.