Trump Unveils Plan to Ban Windmills and Overturn California’s Auto Regulations

In Washington, President Trump has laid out a strategy to ban windmills, criticizing their “junk” aesthetics in areas like Palm Springs. This move aims to counteract California’s attempts to enforce nearly all new vehicles being electric by 2035.

Trump declared that he is “officially saving the US automotive industry from destruction” by dismantling California’s ambitious regulations on vehicles. Notably, 17 states—including New York and New Jersey—typically follow California’s emissions standards.

During a signing ceremony in the Eastern Room of the White House, Trump stated that the three bills he signed will “kill California’s obligations forever.”

“You can’t do anything about it. They can’t take us to court, and they can’t do anything with executive orders—and it’s permanent,” he asserted.

Trump remarked, “They said they couldn’t do that. They’re going to pass these crazy rules in California and 17 states will go along. Automakers end up making cars for two different countries, so they’re confused.”

Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, was the lone Democratic supporter for one of the Republican measures. Back home, 35 Democrats endorsed three of the initiatives.

California has mandated that by 2035, all new vehicles must be “zero-emission.” Automakers will need to ensure that at least 80% of the vehicles they sell are electric, while the rest can be plug-in hybrids.

However, data from the state indicates that just 23% of new cars sold in California during the first quarter of 2025 were classified as “zero emissions.” This is a reflection of broader trends in the nationwide market.

Trump has expressed other priorities in his speeches, such as promoting nuclear energy and putting a stop to windmills, claiming that they are harmful to the country.

“We are not going to build a windmill because we won’t let this country get destroyed any further,” Trump stated.

“You visit these beautiful plains and valleys, and what do you see? They fill them with this garbage that deteriorates over time. When they start to rust, four, five years later, it’s just a mess.”

“Just take a look at Palm Springs, California,” he continued. “You go to this beautiful community, and instead of a scenic view, you see junkyards. Windmills everywhere—tall, short, and many just dead, some barely hanging on.”