By Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters
The California Air Resources Board is about to see a leadership change at a critical time. Liane Randolph has led the board since 2020, focusing on important policies like clean-car rules and a cap-and-trade program. Recently, Governor Gavin Newsom nominated his climate advisor, Lauren Sanchez, to take over. Randolph mentioned her departure is part of her personal journey, expressing a desire for a break after several years of hard work.
This transition comes as California faces challenges both politically and from public opinion regarding its ambitious climate policies. Danny Cullenward, a climate expert, notes that the board will need strong strategy moving forward. “It’s not an easy time to take over an agency,” he said, emphasizing the importance of clear, thoughtful plans.
Newsom’s 2020 order to phase out gas cars by 2035 was a pivotal moment for the state. Although this move aimed to lead the nation toward electric vehicles, it met fierce opposition from the Trump administration, which criticized the plan as an overreach of liberal policies. Daniel Sperling, a former board member, highlighted that Randolph didn’t have the chance to pivot her strategy as the political climate shifted.
During her tenure, the board went through intensive hearings about the gasoline car ban. In 2022, they approved the ban despite pushback, aligning with a goal to address pollution. “She really listened to people,” said Ethan Elkind, a climate law expert, praising Randolph for her diplomacy and outreach.
However, balancing climate efforts with public concern became complicated. Rising fuel costs and the environmental impacts of certain alternatives led to criticisms from different groups. Some politicians, like Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains, argued the board didn’t adequately consider economic impacts, calling for Randolph’s resignation.
Amid these disputes, Randolph acknowledged the ongoing federal challenges. She pointed to the Trump administration’s withdrawal of rules aimed at reducing truck pollution as an example of how those in power can undermine state authority.
Looking ahead, Sanchez’s role will be difficult. As she steps in, balancing Newsom’s climate vision with the realities of public sentiment will be crucial. Sanchez has experience navigating federal and state climate policies and will need to maintain momentum amid potential pushbacks.
Many experts agree that now more than ever, clear communication about the costs and benefits of climate policies is essential. This transition won’t just reshape California’s environment but will also affect the everyday lives of its residents. Climate change impacts are real and pressing, and addressing these concerns thoughtfully is crucial for the future.
As California grapples with these challenges, debates over climate policies will continue. Observers are keen to see how Sanchez leads this important agency, especially as California remains at the forefront of the fight against climate change.
This article originally appeared on CalMatters and is republished under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license.
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Air Resources Board,Climate Change,Greenhouse Gas Emissions
