California looks for ways to safeguard climate laws from federal rollback

California is developing strategies to protect its ambitious climate policies from being dismantled if Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election and follows through on promises to weaken federal regulations.

Coral Davenport reports for The New York Times.

In short:

California is preparing legal agreements and state laws to prevent the weakening of its climate policies if federal regulations change.
The state has led in emissions standards, with rules that impact nearly 40% of the U.S. auto market, and aims to continue regardless of federal shifts.
California's influence extends internationally, with China and the EU adopting similar emissions rules, driving global progress on climate policy.

Key quote:

"California has long led the nation in pioneering climate policies and innovation. Those efforts will continue for years to come."

— Gavin Newsom, governor of California

Why this matters:

California’s actions could shape U.S. and global climate efforts, protecting state-level climate initiatives even if federal policy backslides. Its large economy and emissions standards influence auto manufacturers, other states, and international policies.

www.nytimes.com

California looks for ways to safeguard climate laws from federal rollback

AI data center backlash: Public opposition to new projects is growing

As NOAA funding lags, a critical ocean weather system nears a breaking point

EU to ‘push back petrol car sales ban to 2040’

Dodging icebergs and storms on the hunt for an ocean tipping point

Louisiana is shrinking. Some tribes are fighting to protect what’s left of their communities

US and EU critical minerals project could displace thousands in DRC – report

A land fight pits a sacred Apache tradition against a copper mine

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.