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Smog over Los Angeles. Photo: Steven Buss on Flickr

In the waning days of a Biden Administration which has been marked by huge progress on clean air and EV policy, the US government has approved California’s emissions rules which would end gas-only car sales within the state by 2035.

California’s “Advanced Clean Cars 2” light-duty emissions rules, which were finalized in 2022, have now received their final step of approval from the federal government, in the form of an EPA “waiver” that allows California to set its own emissions rules over and above those of the federal government.

The EPA also approved a requested waiver for low-NOx regulations for heavy duty and off-road engines at the same time.

Environmental organizations responded positively to the move – with EarthJustice, Sierra Club, the Environmental Defense Fund and CALSTART joining the chorus in our email inboxes this morning.

California has requested waivers for several other sets of emissions rules, but some are still pending and may or may not be granted by the EPA within the next month.

Environmental organizations further called on the EPA to approve California’s other requested waivers as soon as possible. Sierra Club Clean Transportation for All Director Katherine Garcia said “we urge the EPA to swiftly grant the remaining California waivers, which are crucial for states to protect their residents from transportation pollution.” 

EPA said in its release today that “EPA continues reviewing additional waiver requests from California and is working to ensure its decisions are durable and grounded by law.”

The history of California’s emissions rules

For decades now, California has had a special “waiver” given by the federal government, allowing it to set its own emissions rules as long as they are stricter than the rules for the US overall.

This is due to heavy smog problems in California – especially in the areas around Los Angeles, its largest city and home to the nation’s largest container port; and in the central valley, which is the most agriculturally productive land in the country. Both of these places have geography that traps smog from the millions of cars driving on their roads every day and results in particularly bad air quality.

And so, since the 1960s when the California Air Resources Board was created (by then-Governor Ronald Reagan), California has generally exercised its state’s right to set its own emissions rules. Other states are allowed to follow these rules, but only if they copy them exactly.

These clean air rules have been a success, resulting in a >98% reduction in vehicle-based pollutants in the LA area, even as total vehicle miles traveled have gone up (and that news was from 2012 – it’s gotten even better since then due to EVs). But there’s still more to be done, because California still has air quality problems.

California’s new set of rules has been in the works since 2020, and will have the effect of ensuring that there are no new gas-only vehicles sold in the state by 2035 (though there can be 20% plug-in hybrids, but those hybrids have to fit certain requirements to ensure they actually get used properly).

California intentionally chose this less-ambitious 2035 timeline because it thought it would make it easier for other states to follow along. And as a result, 11 other states covering around a third of the US new vehicle market have said that they will adopt the standards.

The new emissions rules are expected to save Californians $13 billion in health costs, avoid thousands of deaths, cut auto emissions by half, and result in almost a billion fewer barrels of petroleum being burned. Other states will see similar improvements in health and money savings.

EPA grants new California waiver – with another clean air fight looming

All of this was contingent on the EPA signing off on the regulation, which it did so today.

The approval isn’t unexpected, but comes quite late during President Biden’s term, which has been marked by significant improvements in emissions rules and EV policy, leading to a boom in domestic manufacturing jobs and investment.

While a procedural step like this normally would not be particularly notable, there are some complicating factors here.

First, since it is late in the current Congressional term, the incoming Congress could attempt to reverse it through use of the Congressional Review Act, which republicans have made use of often in recent years to try to stop regulations that might improve Americans’ health. However, since the waiver is not actually a federal regulation and rather a state one, the Congressional Review Act doesn’t apply.

The larger threat is that, unfortunately for America, the next occupant of the White House is convicted felon Donald Trump, who finally received more votes than his opponent on his third attempt (despite committing treason in 2021, for which there is a clear legal remedy). Mr. Trump has stated quite forcefully that he wants to reverse President Biden’s clean air policies, thus saddling Americans with dirtier air, higher costs and poorer health, and sending EV jobs to China to ensure that this new boom in American manufacturing is unable to flourish.

Mr. Trump previously squatted in the White House between 2017-2021, after having obtained the 2nd most votes in the 2016 election. During that period, he attempted to poison Americans by worsening California’s emissions rules – but in keeping with his pattern of incompetence, he failed to do so.

The primary actual outcome of the last fight with California was to de-harmonize federal and California standards. While California has mostly gone it alone since the 60s, there was a brief period in the 2010s where California and federal rules were harmonized – but industry lobbying resulted in a shattering of that harmony, giving companies a more difficult regulatory environment.

Industry learned their lesson, but republicans still aiming for dirty air

As a result, this time around, industry has decided to lobby against shattering emissions standards, recognizing the chaos that was caused the last time an ignoramus got involved in setting auto regulations.

Despite the desires of the industry in question, Mr. Trump has signaled that he wants to “rip up” California’s waiver again – even though the law does not specify a method to revoke a waiver once it is granted, as EPA did today.

There is in fact no legal pathway described in the Clean Air Act which allows for the revocation of a waiver once granted. So according to the law, even if the upcoming EPA run by a dirty air advocate wanted to revoke the waiver, it would have no legal way to do so – it could only refuse to grant a waiver for future requests by California. But since California’s current ACC2 regulation covers model years up until 2035, a refusal to grant a waiver in the next 4 years would likely have little effect.

So it is yet to be seen if the incoming EPA will take the more reasonable approach desired by big auto, doctors, nurses, scientists, environmental groups, other businesses, people who have lungs, and so on; or if it will instead do what big oil, the industry Mr. Trump asked for a $1 billion bribe from and which kills millions of people around the world every year wants him to do. Make your bets now.

Further complicating the issue is that this time, Mr. Trump has a corrupt kangaroo court at his backing, which has routinely ignored the law to legislate from the bench. However, that same court did decide twice in recent days to let California’s clean air rules stand, so let us hope that they continue to see reason in this realm – we’ll have to wait and see.

(Note: this article has been updated from an article last Friday which commented on earlier rumors that the approval was upcoming)

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Environment

EcoFlow Early Prime Day Sale increases power station discounts up to 65% with free gifts, bonus + bulk savings all from $169, and much more

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13 mins ago

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September 22, 2025

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EcoFlow Early Prime Day Sale increases power station discounts up to 65% with free gifts, bonus + bulk savings all from 9, and much more

This week’s Green Deals are kicking off with EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale that is running right up to the official event with increased 65% discounts on power stations, as well as bonus sitewide savings, bulk savings, free gifts, and more starting from $169. Among the large lineup, we did spot the brand’s DELTA 2 Portable Power Station bundled with an extra battery and two 110W solar panels at a new $892 low. Behind that event, we also have BougeRV’s two different 2-Bike Mountable Carriers (which are e-bike compatible) for SUVs and trucks starting from a new $180 low, as well as a one-day-only sale on Anker’s SOLIX C300X DC 90,000mAh Power Station with a 60W foldable panel at $236 – plus, so much more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about all the hangover deals from last week collected at the bottom of the page, rounded together within our most recent edition of Electrified Weekly.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale increases power station discounts up to 65% with bonus savings, free gifts, and more from $169

EcoFlow has launched its Early Prime Day Sale through October 6, which is increasing discounts on power stations up to 65% off, complete with bonus sitewide savings, free gifts at certain pricing thresholds, and even additional bulk savings when buying five or more items. Among the lineup, there is a direct-sale-only offer on the DELTA 2 Portable Power Station bundled with a smart extra battery and two 110W solar panels for $892.05 shipped, after using the sitewide code 25PDFAFF at checkout for an additional 5% savings. This bundle would normally run you $2,646 at full price, and would currently cost you $1,379 buying the power station/battery bundle with two 110W panels separately at Amazon. We’ve seen this kit dropped down to $999 in direct sales before this event, with the $1,754 markdown here dropping things to a new all-time low price. Head below to get the rundown on all the extra ways to save and the full lineup of deals.

As expected, EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale is bringing along plenty of bonus savings promotions while it lasts, including the 5% sitewide bonus discount you can score on any order using the code 25PDFAFF at checkout. There are also three gift with purchase options, with orders reaching $500 getting a free 45W portable solar panel, while orders reaching $1,500 get a free 220W panel and orders of $3,000 or more get a free 400W panel. There’s also the bulk savings with an extra 7% savings being given to orders of five to 10 pieces, an extra 9% savings on orders with 11 to 20 pieces, and an extra 10% savings on bulk orders of 20 or more pieces.

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EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 portable power station is a great well-rounded option for your off-grid living needs, as well as your at-home emergency backup, and with the extra battery included in the bundle, you’ll be starting with a doubled 2,048Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can bump up further to 3,072Wh with one additional battery. You’ll be getting a steady 1,800W of power through the 15 ports present here, surging up to 2,200W when needed. It’s been constructed with an IP68 waterproof rating to handle your outdoor adventures and the weather you may come across, and offers the usual array of in-app smart controls.

Seeing as you’re getting the 220W of solar panels with the bundle, you’re nearly halfway to its max 500W solar input that can put the battery back to full in three to six hours. There’s also the option to recharge from a standard AC outlet to 80% capacity in 50 minutes, or wait for 80 minutes for it to get back to full, with a car port available to plug into your car’s auxiliary cigarette lighter port for on-the-go charging too.

***Note: None of the prices below have had the extra savings factored in and currently represent the starting price listed on the brand’s direct site. Be sure to use the sitewide promo code 25PDFAFF at checkout for the best deals, with the other discounts/gifts automatically applied upon hitting their thresholds.

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale member-only deals:

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale outdoor power solutions:

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale home backup solutions:

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale solar panel deals:

EcoFlow’s other Early Prime Day Sale accessory deals:

You can also shop the entire EcoFlow Early Prime Day Sale in our original coverage here.

BougeRV bike rack attached to SUV

These BougeRV 2-bike mountable carriers for SUVs/trucks carry up to 200 pounds starting from a new $180 low

Amazon is now offering the BougeRV Lockable Hitch Mount 2-Bike Carrier for SUVs & Trucks, which comes e-bike compatible at $179.99 shipped. It’s coming down from its usual $260 listing price here, which we’ve only seen drop as low as $200 with previous deals. You’re looking at a 31% markdown that cuts $80 from the tag to land at a new all-time low price. You’ll also find the more heavy-duty variant with a higher payload at $379.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page coupon.

If you want to learn more about these two e-bike compatible racks, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

woman charging tablet with Anker SOLIX C300X DC power station bundle in wilderness

Equip your travels with Anker’s SOLIX C300X DC 90,000mAh power station and a 60W solar panel at $236 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Anker SOLIX C300X DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station with a 60W solar panel at $235.99 shipped. We’ve been seeing this combo bundle pop up every two to four weeks over the last few months, dropping from its usual $330 price tag, with it coming in $1 lower than the previous one-day sales. You’ll only find its grey variant sitting at higher rates at Amazon (currently $250) and Anker’s direct website (currently $270), with discounts on those alternate colorways having mostly dropped costs to $250 and had fallen as low as $220 in February. For the rest of the day only, you can pick up this solar generator bundle at the third-best price of 2025 and the fourth-lowest overall, which sits $46 above the all-time low that last appeared during Black Friday.

If you want to learn more about this compact solar generator bundle, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only sale here.

man sitting on Rad Power's RadRunner Cargo Utility e-bike
man using Autel's Home 3000 power station to power phone, laptop, lamp

Best Fall EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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The Lucid Gravity SUV looks sold out just a day after inventory was listed online

Published

14 mins ago

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September 22, 2025

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The Lucid Gravity SUV looks sold out just a day after inventory was listed online

Lucid-Gravity-inventory-sold-out

Did Lucid sell out of Gravity inventory online? Just a day after the inventory was listed online, the Lucid Gravity appears to be sold out.

Lucid Gravity inventory appears sold out online

Lucid said it expected higher output of the Gravity electric SUV in the second half of the year. After listing Gravity inventory on its website on September 19, a few users on X suggested it was due to a lack of demand.

Nick Twork, Lucid’s global communications chief, clarified that the new listing “is not a demand related development.”

Twork explained that “While we have been building Lucid Gravity vehicles to order to satisfy existing customer orders, we’ve produced a small number of configurations based on component availability, ensuring we didn’t lose production slots when parts were constrained.”

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In other words, “you can now skip the wait and drive away in one of our most sought-after models today,” Twork added. In less than 24 hours, Gravity inventory appeared to be sold out online already.

Lucid-Gravity-inventory-sold-out
Lucid Gravity inventory online (Source: Lucidmotors.com)

In a quick turn of events, by Sunday night, there were zero Lucid Gravity models listed available through inventory. Through mid-Monday, Lucid’s website still shows “There are no vehicles available at the moment” when searching for Gravity models.

On the company’s Q2 earnings call, interim CEO Marc Winterhoff told investors and analysts that Lucid expected a significant ramp-up in Gravity production after overcoming supply chain issues.

Lucid-Gravity-inventory-sold-out
Lucid Gravity Grand Touring (Source: Lucid)

Winterhoff said the company expected the Gravity SUV to account for the majority of production and deliveries in the second half of the year.

“Our daily order rate has nearly doubled,” since introducing Gravity models to its studios while offering test drivers, Winterhoff said.

Lucid-Gravity-SUV
The Lucid Gravity debuts in Europe (Source: Lucid)

Lucid currently offers the Gravity Grand Touring model, starting at $94,900. Soon, it will add the lower-priced Touring trim, starting from $81,550.

Orders for the Gravity Grand Touring also opened in Europe earlier this month, with deliveries set to begin in early 2026. The Lucid Gravity Touring starts at 116,900 euros ($137,000) in Germany, including VAT. Lucid will introduce the Gravity Touring in Germany, priced from 99,900 euros ($117,000).


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Judge allows Orsted to resume construction on wind farm blocked by Trump administration

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47 mins ago

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September 22, 2025

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Judge allows Orsted to resume construction on wind farm blocked by Trump administration

Attendees during a media tour of the Revolution Wind construction hub at the Port of Providence in Providence, Rhode Island, US, on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

Adam Glanzman | Bloomberg | Getty Images

A federal judge on Monday allowed Danish renewable energy company Orsted to resume construction on an offshore wind farm that the Trump administration had blocked.

The judge’s decision is a setback for President Donald Trump’s effort to shut down the nascent offshore wind industry in the U.S.

The Interior Department had ordered Orsted on Aug. 22 to halt construction on Revolution Wind off the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut. The project is fully permited and 80% complete. It would provide power for more than 350,000 homes.

Orsted and its partner Skyborn had asked the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to halt Interior’s stop-work order, arguing that it was aribtrary, capricious, unlawful and “issued in bad faith.”

While the judge granted the injuction request, a full opinion has yet to be filed.

Trump has targeted the wind power industry since his first day in office, when he banned new leases for offshore wind farms. But the industry had hoped that fully permitted wind projects, particularly those that are already under construciton, would be allowed to proceed.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said earlier this month that he is “taking a deep look” at five offshore wind projects in the U.S. that are under construction. Burgum made clear that Trump wants to shut down the offshore wind industry.

“Under this administration, there is not a future for offshore wind because it is too expensive and not reliable enough,” Burgum told an audience at the Gastech conference in Milan, Italy on Sept. 11.

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