EPA Supports Newsom’s Courageous Stand Against Auto Emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency is currently in the process of restoring California’s legal authority to enforce its own auto emission standards. Thirteen states have adopted California’s stricter rules, with nine states adopting the provisions requiring automakers to sell a steadily increasing number of zero-emission vehicles. The Trump Administration had revoked California’s waiver that allowed it to enforce its own standards. The revocation was part of a broader effort to roll back environmental regulations. On June 2nd, the EPA began hearing public comments on the matter and is widely expected to restore California’s waiver after the legal formalities have been completed.
Loss of the waiver would have nullified the bold, progressive emission policies of Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom showed extraordinary political courage in September of 2020 when he directed the California Air Resources Board to develop plans to phase out the sale of internal combustion vehicles by 2035. The executive order represented a significant acceleration of the controversial zero-emission vehicle mandates that were already under fire for being too aggressive.
Newsom’s politically risky executive order was accompanied by the following unequivocal statement about the harms caused by gas burners: “This is the most impactful step our state can take to fight climate change. For too many decades, we have allowed cars to pollute the air that our children and families breathe. Californians shouldn’t have to worry if our cars are giving our kids asthma. Our cars shouldn’t make wildfires worse — and create more days filled with smoky air. Cars shouldn’t melt glaciers or raise sea levels, threatening our cherished beaches and coastlines.”
Newsom’s rebuke of tailpipe pollutants is similar to a more recent statement that accompanied his principled decision to end the issuance of hydraulic fracturing permits by 2024. “The climate crisis is real, and we continue to see the signs every day,” said Newsom. “As we move swiftly to decarbonize our transportation sector and create a healthier future for our children, I’ve made it clear that I don’t see a role for fracking in that future and, similarly, believe that California needs to move beyond oil.”
Newsom has shown astounding bravery facing off against the powerful fossil fuel industry. His progressive environmental policies have created enemies that now hope to unseat him in the upcoming recall election. Polls show him with a safe lead, supported by loyal Democratic voters who appreciate his strong policies combating climate change.
President Biden’s EPA stands to benefit from Newsom’s political courage as it seeks to strengthen its own auto emission standards. If, as expected, California retains its waiver, the EPA will be in a stronger position to negotiate a deal with automakers that tightens up our weak federal standards. EPA administrator Michael Regan has indicated that his agency will propose tougher rules in July that will one day replace the extremely lenient rules finalized under Trump. In the meantime, Newsom will continue to provide desperately needed environmental leadership at California’s helm.