If Trump’s EPA abandons climate policy, could California take over on greenhouse gases? – Pleasanton Weekly

Report on California’s Potential Climate Regulation in Response to Federal Policy Shifts

Introduction: State-Level Action and the Sustainable Development Goals

A potential revocation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act presents a significant challenge to national climate policy. This report examines the proposed response by the State of California, which is considering establishing its own carbon-controlling regulations for vehicles. This initiative directly engages with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Federal Deregulation and its Impact on Climate Action (SDG 13)

The Endangerment Finding Under Threat

The core of federal climate regulation is the scientific “endangerment finding,” which classifies greenhouse gases as a threat to human health. The current administration’s move to rescind this finding would dismantle the legal basis for federal oversight of emissions from vehicles and power plants. This action represents a significant retreat from commitments aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action).

A Regulatory Opening for States

Environmental law experts suggest that a federal withdrawal could create an unprecedented opportunity for state-level governance. The argument posits that if the Clean Air Act no longer covers greenhouse gases at the federal level, states would no longer be preempted from regulating them. This could empower states like California to lead on climate policy.

• Federal Position: The EPA may abandon its legal authority to regulate greenhouse gases from major sources.
• State-Level Opportunity: California and other states could theoretically establish their own greenhouse gas rules for vehicles, which account for over a third of California’s emissions.

California’s Proposed Strategy: Upholding Health and Sustainability Goals

Leveraging Historical Leadership for SDG 3 and SDG 11

California has a long history of pioneering environmental regulation to combat smog and air pollution, directly contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The state’s unique authority under the Clean Air Act has allowed it to set stricter vehicle emission standards, which has required federal waivers.

Legal and Procedural Framework

Should federal preemption be removed, California’s path to implementing its own regulations would involve several key steps, though it would face significant legal challenges.

1. Rule Drafting: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) would need to draft new rules specifically targeting greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.
2. Public Review: A comprehensive public review process would be initiated, a procedure that could span several years.
3. Legal Defense: The state would almost certainly face lawsuits from the federal government and industry groups, such as the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the American Trucking Associations, who argue for a single national standard.

Legal experts suggest California has a “strong legal argument” that federal preemption does not apply to pollutants that the federal government chooses not to regulate.

Implications for Innovation, Industry, and Sustainable Infrastructure (SDG 9)

Driving the Clean Vehicle Transition

California’s regulatory actions have historically spurred technological advancements, from catalytic converters to the commercial viability of electric vehicles (EVs). By continuing to enforce stringent standards, the state aims to maintain momentum in its transition to clean transportation, a key component of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Potential Outcomes and Challenges

• Maintaining Market Leadership: State-led regulation could preserve demand and infrastructure for EVs, ensuring California remains a global leader and innovation hub.
• Meeting Pollution Standards: The state’s ability to meet national air pollution standards is heavily dependent on its clean vehicle rules. Failure to meet these standards could risk federal highway funding.
• Economic and Consumer Impact: Industry groups warn that a “patchwork of state and local standards” could increase costs for consumers and complicate manufacturing for a national market.

Conclusion: A Test Case for Sub-National Climate Leadership

California’s consideration of autonomous greenhouse gas regulation represents a critical juncture in U.S. climate policy. While facing legal and political hurdles, the state’s actions could serve as a powerful model for sub-national leadership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By pushing forward, California aims to protect public health (SDG 3), advance climate action (SDG 13), and foster the innovation required for a sustainable future (SDG 9).

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article connects directly to SDG 3 by discussing the health impacts of air pollution and greenhouse gases. The core of the federal regulation, the “endangerment finding,” is based on the scientific conclusion that “greenhouse gases threaten human health.” The historical context provided, such as Los Angeles skies being “so smog-choked they stung peoples’ eyes,” further emphasizes the link between vehicle emissions, air quality, and public health.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article addresses SDG 7 through its focus on the transition to cleaner energy in the transportation sector. The discussion revolves around California’s efforts to promote “electric cars” and phase out “new, gas-powered cars.” This shift from fossil fuels to electricity for transport is a key component of building a clean energy system. The article also mentions standards to “cut the carbon in fuels,” which aligns with the goal of cleaner energy sources.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  SDG 9 is relevant as the article highlights how state regulations can drive technological innovation and infrastructure development. It notes that California’s strict vehicle rules have “helped spur innovations from catalytic converters to cleaner fuel to electric cars.” The state’s role in helping “spawn electric car maker Tesla” and the need to preserve “demand and infrastructure for EVs” are direct examples of fostering innovation and building sustainable infrastructure.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article connects to SDG 11 by focusing on improving urban environmental quality. The regulatory efforts are aimed at cleaning “some of the nation’s dirtiest air,” a problem concentrated in urban areas. The text explicitly states that California still has some of the “most air-polluted regions in the country,” making the regulation of vehicle emissions a critical strategy for creating healthier and more sustainable cities.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  This is the most central SDG in the article. The entire piece is about climate policy, specifically the authority to “regulate greenhouse gases from vehicles, power plants and other sources.” The conflict between the federal government’s move to “dismantle U.S. climate policy” and California’s determination to “lead on carbon-controlling regulation” is a direct reflection of the challenges and strategies involved in taking urgent action to combat climate change.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article illustrates the complexities of policy coherence and governance, which are central to SDG 17. It details the legal and political clash between a national government (the EPA under the Trump Administration) and a sub-national government (California). The discussion of the Clean Air Act, federal waivers, preemption, and potential lawsuits highlights the importance of legal frameworks and institutional partnerships (or lack thereof) in achieving sustainable development goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

   This target is addressed through the article’s focus on curbing air pollution. The regulations discussed are designed to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles, which contribute to smog and poor air quality. The historical reference to smog that “stung peoples’ eyes” and the current reality of California having “most air-polluted regions” directly link the state’s regulatory actions to the goal of reducing illness from air pollution.

2. Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.

   While the article focuses on a domestic issue, California’s role as a “policy lab” and “trailblazer” has global implications. Its push for electric vehicles and the development of an “infrastructure for EVs” serves as a model and drives investment in clean energy technology. The article states California could “use its regulatory and investment muscle… to push the market forward,” which aligns with promoting investment in clean energy tech.

3. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.

   This target is reflected in the discussion of transitioning the automotive industry. California’s rules, such as the “phaseout of new, gas-powered cars” and the promotion of electric vehicles, are direct efforts to compel the auto industry to adopt cleaner technologies and retrofit its production for a sustainable future.

4. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality.

   The article directly addresses this target. The primary motivation for California’s vehicle emission standards, both historically and currently, is to combat severe urban air pollution. The goal to “clean some of the nation’s dirtiest air” by regulating cars and trucks—the largest source of emissions—is a clear strategy to reduce the adverse environmental impact of its cities.

5. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   The article is a case study of this target in action, albeit at a sub-national level. It describes California’s efforts to integrate climate change measures into its state-level policies through “greenhouse gas rules for cars and trucks.” The conflict with the federal government, which is moving to “dismantle U.S. climate policy,” highlights the challenges of maintaining integrated climate strategies when policy coherence is lacking between different levels of government.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Transport Sector

  The article explicitly mentions this as a key metric. It states, “Cars and trucks represent more than a third of California’s greenhouse gas emissions.” Any regulation would aim to reduce this figure, making it a primary indicator for measuring progress towards climate goals (SDG 13).

• Air Pollution Levels

  Progress can be measured by monitoring air quality. The article implies this by referencing California’s “most air-polluted regions” and its history with “smog-choked” skies. Reducing levels of pollutants like soot and ozone would be a direct indicator of success in achieving targets related to health (SDG 3) and sustainable cities (SDG 11).

• Adoption Rate of Clean Vehicles

  The article points to the success of California’s “electric-vehicle goals” and the “phaseout of new, gas-powered cars” as key policy objectives. The number and market share of electric vehicles sold and in use would be a clear indicator of progress. The article notes that “Electric cars proved less popular than policymakers expected,” showing that consumer adoption is a tracked metric.

• Number and Stringency of Environmental Regulations

  The existence and enforcement of regulations themselves are an indicator of policy action. The article mentions California has obtained “more than 100 federal waivers for its vehicle rules” since 1968 and is now considering new rules. The development and implementation of these “clean car rules” serve as a measure of the state’s commitment to its environmental goals.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: pleasantonweekly.com