Trending Now - Trump Administration Challenges California's Emission Standards Amid Gas Price Surge
WHO:
Trump administration
President Donald Trump
Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom
Anthony Martinez, spokesperson for Governor Newsom
Dan Farber, faculty director of the Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment at the University of California, Berkeley
Pam Bondi, Attorney General
WHAT:
The average price of gas in California approached $5.50 per gallon as of March 12th, 2026.
Gas prices in California increased by 82 cents from a month ago, according to the American Automobile Association.
The average price of diesel fuel in California rose to $6.21 per gallon, up $1.17 from a month earlier.
The Trump administration is suing California over its vehicle emission standards.
The lawsuit targets air regulators in California.
California's average gas price is $5.37 per gallon, compared to the national average of $3.60 per gallon.
Gas prices in California have increased by about 56 cents per gallon statewide and 35 cents per gallon nationwide since March 6th, 2026.
Gas prices have risen roughly 20% since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran.
The lawsuit claims California does not have the authority to enforce its emission standards.
WHERE:
Sacramento, California
University of California, Berkeley
WHEN:
The lawsuit was filed on March 12th, 2026.
The ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035 was blocked last summer (2025).
The federal government reinstated California's waiver authority in 2022.
WHY:
The rising gas prices are attributed to crude oil prices topping $100 a barrel and the ongoing Iran war, which is nearing its third week.
The lawsuit is part of a long-standing battle over California's efforts to curb tailpipe emissions and promote electric vehicle adoption.
Governor Newsom's office claims the lawsuit is an attack on California's efforts to provide cheaper options amid rising gas prices.
HOW:
The California economy, which is the fourth-largest in the world, is experiencing inflationary pressures due to higher fuel costs affecting disposable incomes and business revenues.
The Trump administration's lawsuit argues that California's electric vehicle mandates are "oppressive" and violate federal law.
(UPDATED March 13, 2026 19:16 UTC)
As of last Monday, the average price of gas in California has climbed to nearly $5.50 per gallon, marking an increase of 82 cents from a month ago, while diesel fuel has surged to $6.21 per gallon, up $1.17 in the same timeframe. This rise in fuel prices is largely due to crude oil prices exceeding $100 a barrel and the ongoing conflict in Iran, which is now entering its third week. The situation is putting inflationary pressures on California's economy, the fourth-largest in the world, impacting both disposable incomes and business revenues.
--
(UPDATED March 13, 2026 09:08 UTC)
The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against California over its vehicle emission standards, claiming the state does not have the authority to enforce these regulations. This legal action, announced last Monday, comes as California faces rising gas prices, which have jumped about 56 cents per gallon statewide since early March, now averaging $5.37 compared to the national average of $3.60. Governor Gavin Newsom's office argues that the lawsuit undermines California's efforts to promote electric vehicle adoption and provide more affordable options for residents amid these escalating fuel costs.