By David Jackson, Michael Collins and John Fritze | USA TODAY
The Trump administration is planning to revoke California’s authority to set its own vehicle emission standards, blocking an environmental effort by the deeply blue state that has long irked President Donald Trump.
An administration official speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a policy not yet announced said the long expected move could come as soon as this week. The president is traveling in California Tuesday and Wednesday for campaign fundraisers.
Environmental Protection Agency officials sent the state a letter last week warning that the tougher emission rules violate federal law. Several other states had considered adopting California’s standard and four automakers signed an agreement this summer embracing the lower emission requirements, drawing a sharp rebuke from Trump.
White House aides declined to comment on the possibility of an announcement. EPA officials did not respond to a request for comment. The decision will almost certainly set the stage for a lengthy legal battle. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, said the state is prepared to sue.
“It’s time to remove your blinders, President Trump, and acknowledge that the only person standing in the way of progress is you,” Becerra said.
