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:

Many solar panels arranged in a circular pattern viewed from above

Solar power in Morocco's desert: Bold vision, mixed results

A massive solar tower in the Moroccan desert is the beacon of an ambitious push for a clean energy future. But fossil fuels and grid constraints stand in the way.
Two farmers crouching in a field reviewing the soil

Farmers struggle to rebuild soil after Hurricane Helene’s devastating floods

After Hurricane Helene washed away or buried vital topsoil across the Southeast, farmers are facing years-long efforts to restore the foundation of their livelihoods.

A row of solar panels in the snow with the setting sun in the background

‘A ray of hope’: EU governments gathering to plan way out of fossil fuel reliance

Energy crises could be a thing of the past if reliable, cheap and abundant clean energy is given precedence over fossil fuels.
A farmer walking through his fields on a sunny day

Farmers sue US EPA over dismantling of climate policy

New York farmers say the Environmental Protection Agency’s rollback of greenhouse gas regulations will make it harder for them to grow food.

An ethanol plant with green fields in the foreground

Iowa moves to shield farmers, ethanol plants, from lawsuits over emissions

Climate lawsuits are a largely nonexistent threat to farmers in the state of Iowa, but ethanol producers could benefit from the law.

A woman holding a protest sign saying 'There is no planet B'

Is it time for planetary health to become a core clinical responsibility?

As climate change and environmental degradation increasingly drive illness, clinicians are being urged to treat planetary health as inseparable from patient care.

A person holding a pile of organic soil in his hands

Deep soils could hold keys to climate resilience

A new research center is investigating how ancient soils could help farmers adapt to climate change and a warmer future.
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.