Trump vows to dismantle Biden’s electric vehicle policies

Former President Donald Trump has pledged to dismantle President Biden's electric vehicle policies if re-elected, threatening tariffs and policy reversals.

Coral Davenport and Jack Ewing report for The New York Times.


In short:

  • Trump has criticized electric vehicles and plans to impose tariffs and repeal Biden's E.V. incentives.
  • Analysts believe the E.V. market may continue growing despite potential policy rollbacks.
  • Automakers have invested heavily in E.V. production, which may temper the impact of policy changes.

Key quote:

“Our time frame as a company, our planning time frame, is a lot longer than election cycles. When we’re whipsawed back and forth by politicians that becomes really difficult for us.”

— William Clay Ford Jr., executive chair of Ford Motor

Why this matters:

Potential policy reversals raise questions about the future of the U.S. automotive industry, which has seen a substantial shift toward electrification in recent years. Major car manufacturers have invested billions in EV technology, aligning their strategies with Biden's vision for a greener economy. Rolling back these policies could not only disrupt these plans but also slow progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a critical component in addressing global warming.

Related:

Public hearing space with microphone in foreground and empty seats in a blurry background

Opinion: How the U.S. public lost its say on environmental policy

The Trump administration is systematically undercutting the public comment process, stifling dissenting input, while skirting federal laws.

Coal-burning power plant emitting air pollution against an orange sky
Credit: Faux Toe/BigStock Photo ID: 1366970

Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro joins lawsuit to overturn EPA repeal of power plant climate rule

A clean air group weighs in on Shapiro joining a coalition of states challenging the EPA's elimination of rules on power plant climate pollution.
Twin cooling towers at nuclear power plant

Energy firms try to squeeze more power out of old nuclear plants

It takes a long time to build new nuclear plants. So, some U.S. companies are looking to get more electricity out of reactors that already exist.
A person using a laptop in a green field

Scientists who put faith in technology less likely to take climate action

‘Techno-optimism’ may lead to reliance on unproven solutions at expense of societal changes needed.

A view of a lonely highway next to an aqua lake with snow-covered mountains in the background

New Zealand’s climate ‘entering uncharted territory’ as greenhouse gases hit record highs

New Zealand's climate is entering "uncharted territory" as greenhouse gas concentrations hit record highs and extreme weather intensifies.

Smoky rainforest fire

Compounding climate impacts drive tropical forest decline

Extreme heat, drought, and ozone from fire emissions are devastating the Amazon and other rainforests, new research shows.

Cupped child-hands catching drops of water from a tap above cracked, dry earth
Credit: R_tee/BigStock Photo ID: 364659220

In drought-stricken Sri Lanka, farmers watch wells empty and wildlife crowd shrinking water holes

Experts say the lack of rain is partly due to a strong El Niño and climate change.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.