In a bold move against the federal pushback on California's environmental policies, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new executive order aimed at reinforcing the state’s commitment to clean vehicles, including cars and trucks. As reported by the Governor's office, this action propels California into the next phase of its clean vehicle program, focusing on innovation and healthier air for all Californians. The governor's office noted that "We won’t let this illegal action by Trump and Republicans in the pockets of polluters stand in the way of commonsense policy to clean our air, protect the health of our kids and compete on the global stage," referring to recent federal attempts to overturn the state’s vehicle emissions standards.
The executive order comes in the wake of attempts by President Trump to revoke California’s clean cars and trucks program, which the state is also challenging through a lawsuit. Nevertheless, Governor Newsom's office has made it clear that efforts to transition away from fossil fuels will not be deterred. "Today’s action comes amidst a backdrop of President Trump’s war on California," the governor’s office mentioned, highlighting conflicts like the illegal militarization of Los Angeles and probable funding cuts.
Details of the executive order, as outlined by the Governor’s office, showcase a comprehensive approach. Among other directives, the order reaffirms the state’s support for zero-emission vehicle deployment and updates purchasing requirements to favor manufacturers in line with California's regulations. It also prioritizes funding for clean manufacturers and calls for biannual reports on the progress of the Clean Truck Partnership.
The statewide push for cleaner transportation has been driven by health as well as economic benefits. The Governor's announcement included the statistic that California's air quality initiatives have saved $250 billion in health costs and reduced diesel-related cancer risk by nearly 80%. This strategy feeds into the state's broader climate goals, which, according to the governor's office, have led to 20% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions since 2000, even as California's GDP increased by 78%. Furthermore, California continues to set clean energy records, such as running on 100% clean electricity for the equivalent of 51 days out of the last year.
