California girds for a Trump comeback with climate defense plan

Gov. Gavin Newsom is bolstering California's climate policies in anticipation of potential challenges from Donald Trump.

Blanca Begert reports for POLITICO.

In short:

California is prepping to protect its pioneering climate policies, expecting Trump to target electric vehicle programs if re-elected.
The state has already solidified an agreement with Stellantis to follow its emissions rules, showcasing a strategy to counter possible federal rollbacks.
Legal strategies and partnerships with the automotive industry form part of California's defense against policy reversals.

Key quote:

"We’re definitely trying to future-proof California in every way, shape or form."

— Gavin Newsom, governor of California

Why this matters:

While a Trump administration might aim to shift the federal stance on climate change, states like California—with their legal authority, economic influence, and political will—could play a pivotal role in sustaining the momentum toward a cleaner, sustainable future.

Peter Dykstra’s 2020 piece: Climate, the campaign and the conventions.

www.politico.com

California girds for a Trump comeback with climate defense plan

China ramps up solar and wind power as clean energy output shatters global records

Melting ice and microplastics signal deepening disruption in Antarctica’s climate system

New technologies promise to transform farming, but most haven’t delivered yet

New rules to protect U.S. workers from extreme heat face political delays

California struggles to electrify trucks as Trump administration blocks state rules

The hidden cost of powering your phone might be someone else’s cancer

Toxic mine runoff cleanup revives West Virginia waterways and extracts rare earth elements

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.