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October 5, 2026
Federal-State Divergence Reshapes the U.S. EV Policy Landscape
States are pursuing measures to sustain EV deployment and transportation decarbonization as federal actions weaken key policy drivers.
Federal efforts to roll back transportation decarbonization policies have intensified, while states are adapting or expanding their…Read the full report
Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration’s move to weaken fuel economy standards for passenger cars and light trucks has triggered legal challenges from states, including California and New York, as well as environmental and consumer groups.
- California has enacted seven transportation laws designed to reduce barriers to EV adoption, including streamlining charger deployment, expanding charging access, and supporting consumer and commercial EV uptake.
- Washington has proposed a contingency plan to preserve its vehicle-emissions standards if federal actions make its current requirements unenforceable, following Congress’s 2025 disapproval of California waivers for clean vehicle standards that Washington subsequently adopted.
