California faces fresh battle over environmental policies as Trump returns to office
California officials are preparing to fight against environmental rollbacks as the Trump administration signals potential threats to the state’s clean air laws, wildfire aid, water rights and offshore wind projects.
Julie Cart, Alejandro Lazo, Alastair Bland and Alejandra Reyes-Velarde report for CalMatters.
In short:
- California's clean car standards, zero-emission mandates and wildfire disaster funding could be reversed or threatened under the incoming Trump administration, which previously sought to weaken similar regulations.
- State leaders, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, are bolstering legal defenses to protect environmental policies, fearing new federal decisions may prioritize industrial interests over conservation.
- Federal actions could affect California’s water rights, with potential executive orders to override state limitations and increase water flow to southern farms at the expense of vulnerable ecosystems.
Key quote:
“Will the 47th president of the United States withhold federal disaster relief from the state of California? … This is one of those things that should be hands off.”
— Brian Rice, California Professional Firefighters
Why this matters:
California’s environmental policies are pivotal for addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity, but federal resistance could weaken these efforts. Potential cuts to disaster aid and the rollback of emissions standards threaten both immediate disaster response and long-term air quality, affecting millions across the state.
Read more: California girds for a Trump comeback with climate defense plan
