By Michael Phillips
On July 3, Maryland Matters published a piece bemoaning what it called the “inaction” of Governor Wes Moore and Attorney General Anthony Brown for not joining a multistate lawsuit challenging President Trump’s repeal of California’s vehicle emissions waiver. The article, predictably titled “Clean Cars in Maryland: Governor, Attorney General Drag Their Feet as Trump Harms Our State,” frames this as a betrayal of Maryland’s green future.
But here’s the truth from the center-right: Moore and Brown are finally doing something rare in Maryland politics — showing restraint. And for once, it’s the right move.
1. Federalism Isn’t a Dirty Word
The Trump administration used the Congressional Review Act to rescind the EPA’s blessing of California’s Advanced Clean Cars II rule. Love it or hate it, the move was legal and passed through Congress. The states now suing are asking the courts to overrule not just a president — but the will of the people as expressed through their elected representatives.
Maryland’s leaders exercising caution isn’t cowardice — it’s constitutional respect. This isn’t just about cars. It’s about the limits of state power and the importance of not weaponizing the courts every time Washington passes something we don’t like.
2. Mandates Without Market Support Hurt Working Families
Maryland Matters points to a possible $603.5 million in health savings by 2040 if Maryland sticks to aggressive EV rules. But what about the working-class families being priced out of new vehicles in 2025?
California-style mandates are fine on paper, but in the real world, EV prices remain high, the used market is limited, and the charging network is far from complete — especially in rural and lower-income areas. And who pays the price? Small businesses, middle-class commuters, and overburdened car dealerships stuck between state rules and consumer hesitancy.
Governor Moore was right to pause penalties earlier this year when it became clear that manufacturers couldn’t meet the demand. That’s leadership, not backsliding.
3. Green Ideology Shouldn’t Trump Legal Strategy
The lawsuit pushed by Maryland Matters is part of a national trend where political parties sue over every change in policy, no matter how minor or legal. Moore and Brown likely recognize that jumping into this lawsuit may not be wise — or even winnable.
A court battle over the Congressional Review Act sets up a high-stakes constitutional fight. Why should Maryland taxpayers foot the bill just to earn virtue-signaling points with California?
Sometimes the smartest legal strategy is patience.
4. The Moore Administration Hasn’t Abandoned the Environment
Let’s be clear: Governor Moore has already embraced aggressive climate policies. From offshore wind investment to electric school buses to the ENERGIZE Maryland Act, this administration has not been shy about advancing green energy goals.
The pause on a lawsuit isn’t a retreat — it’s a recalibration. And frankly, it’s refreshing to see a Democratic governor in Maryland finally pump the brakes on overregulation that could backfire on working families.
Final Thoughts:
The environmental left is in a rush. But real leadership is about knowing when to fight and when to wait. The lawsuit may still come. Or it may not. But right now, Moore and Brown are showing a rare flash of grounded governance in a state often too eager to jump off California’s regulatory cliff.
So no — this isn’t Maryland “dragging its feet.”
It might just be Maryland waking up.
Michael Phillips is a writer, legal reform advocate, and editor of The Thunder Report and Maryland Bay News. He covers parental rights, state politics, and the high cost of bad governance.
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