In anticipation of the second Trump administration, experts at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) have outlined their expectations on various key issues such as climate and energy, food and agriculture, global security, science, democracy, and transportation. As Associate Justice Louis Brandeis once famously said, states are the laboratories of democracy, with the power to drive change at a local level. Over the years, UCS has advocated for state-based strategies that have led to groundbreaking policies like cap and trade and zero-emission vehicle standards, which have been widely adopted.
During the past four years, states like California have benefitted from federal leadership that prioritized investments in climate action, clean energy, water, and transportation. However, the first Trump administration was characterized by over 200 documented attacks on science, a lack of climate action, and disregard for scientific expertise during the pandemic. This administration prioritized the interests of polluters and hindered ambitious state regulations.
As the second Trump administration takes office, state leaders face the challenge of defending forward-looking policies in areas like climate, energy, water, transportation, and security. Despite the obstacles ahead, there is still room for progress. In California, for instance, successes have been achieved in areas such as climate, clean energy, and transportation.
States like California will need to adopt a proactive approach in the face of potential federal rollbacks. Advocacy organizations like UCS will have to seek new funding sources for essential investments in climate and community resilience. Initiatives to transition away from combustion vehicles and expand clean energy infrastructure will be crucial, even with opposition at the federal level.
In California, UCS will continue to prioritize efforts to drive change and maintain the state’s leadership on climate issues. Collaborations with agencies like the California Air Resources Board, Public Utilities Commission, Energy Commission, and State Water Board will focus on advancing clean energy, zero-emission transportation, and water protection policies. Despite anticipated challenges from the federal government, UCS remains committed to advancing science-based solutions at the state level for a safer and healthier world.
Overall, as states face the need to step up in the absence of federal support, organizations like UCS will play a vital role in driving progress on key environmental and public health issues. By continuing to advocate for evidence-based policies and innovative solutions, states can lead the way towards a more sustainable future.
