Newsom Plans EV Rebate Amid Federal Tensions

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a plan to reintroduce a state electric vehicle (EV) rebate program if the incoming Trump administration eliminates the federal $7,500 EV tax credit. This initiative would revive the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which was phased out in 2023, and is proposed to be funded by the state's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Newsom's move aims to maintain California's progress towards clean transportation and zero-emissions vehicle adoption, a key component of the state's climate goals. The proposal underscores anticipated tensions between California and federal policies under Trump, who has criticized federal EV mandates and subsidies. Newsom's plan requires legislative approval and details on the rebate framework are expected soon. California, already a leader in zero-emission vehicle sales, aims to have all new vehicles be zero-emissions by 2035.