California and ten other states are suing the Trump administration over its attempt to illegally repeal three federal waivers that let California, and states that follow suit, set pollution standards.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the lawsuit earlier today alongside an executive order reaffirming California’s commitment to clean air and a livable planet.
The lawsuit and executive order come hours after President Trump signed into law three joint congressional resolutions that undermine the state’s ability to improve air quality, reduce climate-warming emissions and protect public health.
Below is a statement by Don Anair, deputy director of the Clean Transportation Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
“The president’s use of the Congressional Review Act to block states from implementing air pollution standards to improve air quality is deeply disappointing. This illegitimate move poses threats to public health, the economy and states' rights.
“These rules are critical for improving air quality and slashing emissions driving climate change. Blocking these standards will result in approximately 2,000 air pollution-related deaths through 2040 in California, while pulling back on electric truck deployment will cost businesses that use heavy-duty trucks an estimated nearly $6 billion over the same timeframe.
Governor Newsom’s executive order ensures the state will continue to protect people and the planet by ordering the start of new clean cars rulemaking, directing state agencies to purchase clean vehicles and incentivizing Californians to do the same, and directing state agencies to protect and expand clean transportation infrastructure.
“California’s legislators now must do their part to protect constituents by creating new tools to meet federal air quality standards now that the state’s most effective and economically efficient standards have been revoked – including giving the state authority to regulate areas with significant vehicle traffic and pollution, including railyards and warehouses, and providing funding to incentivize people to choose clean technologies.
“As the president continues to attack people’s right to breathe clean air, states will need to use every tool at their disposal to protect their residents. We applaud Governor Newsom for his crucial, health-protective response to President Trump’s toxic and illegal actions.”