The U.S. Department of Justice has filed two federal complaints against the California Air Resources Board (CARB) over the state’s enforcement of emissions standards voided by the Trump administration, officials said on Aug. 15.
The DOJ said federal law preempts the CARB from enforcing emissions rules governing heavy-duty trucks and engines. The department sued after a House of Representatives committee said it recently learned that staff at the California Air Resources Board won’t let auto manufacturers bring vehicles to market unless they comply with California’s standards.
“President Donald Trump and Congress have invalidated the Clean Air Act waivers that were the basis for California’s actions. CARB must respect the democratic process and stop enforcing unlawful standards,” acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division said in a statement….