That’s where Assembly Bill (AB) 1395 by Assemblymember Burke comes in. This bill would give California the ability to set its own vehicle emission standards without needing a waiver from the federal government. This would protect our air quality and public health from the whims of federal administrations that may not prioritize clean air.
California is not just sitting back and waiting for the federal government to catch up on climate action. We are forging ahead with bold policies and legislation that will continue to lead the way in fighting climate change and protecting our environment. While Washington DC may be in turmoil, California remains a beacon of hope and progress in the fight against global warming. Stay tuned for more updates on the State of Science in California.
As the Trump administration took office, California made the strategic decision to withdraw its request for the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule, which aimed to transition large fleets of diesel trucks to zero emission technologies. The state feared that the new administration would reject the rule, a fear that has unfortunately come to fruition as Trump and the Republicans are now attempting to revoke California’s existing waiver for the Advanced Clean Cars II rule.
This move puts California at risk of losing many of the emission-reducing tools that have been developed over the past decade through collaboration with industry and communities. However, lawmakers and Governor Newsom are not backing down. Assemblymember Robert Garcia has introduced AB 914, which would give California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) the authority to regulate “indirect sources” of emissions, such as warehouses, ensuring that these facilities are accessed by predominantly clean vehicles and utilize clean technologies.
Governor Newsom is also taking action by advancing a proposal that would allow CARB to assess fees on polluters to fund the development and enforcement of regulations. Currently, taxpayers foot the bill for CARB’s crucial work, but this proposal would shift the financial burden to polluters, allowing CARB to continue its efforts to improve air quality and combat global warming regardless of the state’s budget constraints.
Senator Scott Weiner is leading the charge on SB 222, which would empower individuals and insurers to sue fossil fuel companies for the climate crises caused by their products and perpetuated by their disinformation and lobbying. Similarly, SB 684 by Senator Caroline Menjivar seeks to hold fossil fuel polluters accountable by requiring them to pay for the damage caused by their greenhouse gas emissions. These bills aim to help California recover from the severe impacts of global warming and ensure that polluters are held responsible for their actions.
For Californians, these initiatives represent a positive step forward in the fight against climate change. By making polluters pay for the damage they cause, the state can take meaningful strides towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. Stay tuned for updates on these important legislative efforts by following UCS on Bluesky, Instagram, and Facebook, and joining their email lists to stay informed and make your voice heard as California continues to lead the way in environmental protection.
