It's a calculated move to get/keep support of automotive execs and investors. Except that the main way it might do so is if they're afraid of being targeted by

It's a calculated move to get/keep support of automotive execs and investors. Except that the main way it might do so is if they're afraid of being targeted by Trump of they don't support him. In practical terms the auto makers likely need to meet California's desired standards as well as international ones in order to sell cars globally, and if they don't meet them domestically they're vulnerable to competitor ads "$BRANDX, so bad they're illegal to sell in most of the world," etc. Even without those factors, a following Democratic (or Republican, frankly) administration is likely to return to the standards in question. This is "respect mah authoritah!" spite.