General Motors is shifting its position in a dispute concerning the authority of states – particularly California – to establish vehicle emission standards and other regulations designed to lessen the effects of climate change that exceed federal requirements.

The company announced on Monday that it will cease its support for the Trump administration’s legal challenge aimed at blocking California from enacting its own regulations, as reported by Reuters. Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra is understood to have distributed a message to multiple environmental organizations confirming the automaker’s “immediate withdrawal from the preemption lawsuit” and extending an invitation to other vehicle manufacturers to do the same.

This represents a change in course for the automaker, which previously aligned with competitors Fiat Chrysler and Toyota in supporting the Trump administration’s stance on this matter last year. Given that President-elect Joe Biden is nearing his inauguration, this adjustment appears strategically timed. It also aligns with GM’s commitment to invest $27 billion over the coming five years in the advancement of electric vehicles and self-driving technology, with the goal of accelerating product launches.

The core of the legal conflict between the Trump administration and California revolves around the question of “states’ rights.” The Clean Air Act grants California the power to establish its own air quality regulations. The state’s Air Resources Board advocated for a yearly 2.7% improvement in fuel efficiency through 2026, even as the Trump administration worked to weaken Obama-era fuel economy standards.

The automotive sector held differing views on this issue. BMW, Ford, Honda, and Volkswagen of America came to an agreement with California regulators to comply with more stringent emission rules, whereas GM, FCA, and Toyota became part of the Association of Global Automakers.

Vehicle manufacturers that supported the Trump administration’s position have faced criticism, extending beyond typical environmental and climate advocacy groups. Ford also participated, even launching an advertising campaign in September, titled “California Innovation,” which directly criticized GM’s Chevy, FCA’s Jeep, and Toyota for declining to accept the stricter emissions standards.