Federal lawmakers and the Trump Administration are trying to put the breaks on clean electric vehicles that save people money and clear the air we breathe. What does it all mean for consumers and the burgeoning U.S. EV market? Host Sara Baldwin speaks with Mary Nichols, former chair of the California Air Resources Board and renowned leader on clean air and transportation to discuss the impacts of recent federal actions—from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s repeal of critical EV incentives to the Senate’s recent blockade of California’s clean vehicle policies, and federal agencies’ plans to roll back smart vehicle emission and fuel economy standards. Tune in to learn more about what’s happening and what’s needed to sustain momentum for EVs and clean transportation despite roadblocks.

Guest Bio:

Mary Nichols is the former chair of the California Air Resources Board, where she occupied the attorney seat; she served on the Board under Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. (1975–82 and 2010–18), Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (2007–2010), and Governor Gavin Newsom (2019–2020). She also served as California’s Secretary for Natural Resources (1999–2003), appointed by Governor Gray Davis. Mary was also a senior staff attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council; Assistant Administrator for U.S. EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, in the administration of President William Jefferson Clinton; and headed the Institute of Environment and Sustainability at UCLA. Over a career as an environmental lawyer spanning over 45 years, Mary Nichols has played a key role in California and the nation’s progress toward healthy air. She has also led the Board in crafting California’s internationally recognized climate action plan. Nichols was awarded the Attorney of the Year award from California Lawyer Magazine (the CLAY award) for her contributions to environmental law. Nichols holds a B.A. from Cornell University and a J.D. from Yale Law School.

Electrifying News:

• Affordable Clean Cars Coalition launches in the USA (Elctrive)
• Bill Ford says Michigan battery plant ‘in peril’ under proposed legislation (Automotive News)
• Why John Curtis says the Senate should reconsider rolling back green energy tax credits (KSL.com)

To dig in deeper, check out these must-read resources: 

• Assessing Impacts Of “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” On U.S. Energy Costs, Jobs, Health, Emissions(Energy Innovation, June 2025)
• Trump’s War on EVs Is an Attack on American Industry, Good-Paying Jobs, and Our Wallets(Evergreen Action, 3/5/25)
• Upending norms, the Senate votes to undo California's EV rules (NPR, 5/22/25)
• Transportation chief seeks to weaken fuel economy standards (AP News, 6/6/25)
• Trump EPA takes aim at Biden emissions regulations (Green Car Reports, 3/13/25)