How Trump’s Assault on California’s Environmental Laws Puts Us at Greater Risk of Climate Catastrophe

Earlier this month, Donald Trump escalated his push against California’s environmental policies. This move came as Congress voted to repeal the state’s laws aimed at phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. These laws also mandated a rise in non-fossil fuel trucks and tighter nitrogen oxide emissions limits.

On June 12, Trump signed these resolutions into law, despite warnings from officials like the Senate parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) that this action was illegitimate. They argued it misused the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which should only apply to a limited set of agency rules. By overriding California’s environmental standards, Trump claimed he was saving the auto industry. However, many believe this actually hurt efforts to protect our climate.

Historically, Trump has been known for his anti-environment stance. During his first term, he sought to roll back California’s special waivers that allow it to set stricter vehicle pollution standards than federal regulations. This led to a complicated legal battle that was unresolved when Joe Biden took office and shifted the approach back towards environmental protection.

Now, with Trump in what some call "version 2.0" of his presidency, his administration has targeted climate research and any policies promoting sustainable energy. The push to dismantle California’s clean vehicle goals aligns with larger moves to undermine state authority on environmental issues. A recent Supreme Court ruling also allowed fuel producers to sue California over its emission standards, further complicating things for the state.

The ramifications of these changes are far-reaching. Since many states follow California’s lead on emissions standards, Trump’s actions could affect a significant portion of the U.S. population. States like California encourage automakers to adhere to higher standards, which in turn can lead to cleaner air and a quicker transition to electric vehicles (EVs). In fact, if California’s EV mandate is eliminated, millions more gallons of gasoline could be used, worsening pollution and public health risks.

Research indicates that California’s previous plans could have reduced CO2 emissions by 395 million tons by 2040, which would also prevent numerous deaths from pollution-related issues. Trump’s reversal not only sets back progress but could push the entire country away from meeting climate goals.

In a bid to counter this federal rollback, California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken action. He has called for alternative strategies to promote EV growth and protect state emissions standards. Additionally, California’s attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Trump, asserting illegal use of the CRA, joined by ten other states.

Trump’s tactics are reminiscent of the past when big industries manipulated public transport systems for profit. The implications of his latest moves could deal a severe blow to state-level environmental policies, making it essential for California and its allies to think strategically. If they can navigate this challenge, they might still protect their environmental standards and contribute to a healthier planet for everyone.

For more details on California’s approach to clean energy, check out CalEPA’s resources on Zero Emission Vehicle Collaboration.

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