California girds for a Trump comeback with climate defense plan

Gov. Gavin Newsom is bolstering California's climate policies in anticipation of potential challenges from Donald Trump.

Blanca Begert reports for POLITICO.

In short:

• California is prepping to protect its pioneering climate policies, expecting Trump to target electric vehicle programs if re-elected.
• The state has already solidified an agreement with Stellantis to follow its emissions rules, showcasing a strategy to counter possible federal rollbacks.
• Legal strategies and partnerships with the automotive industry form part of California's defense against policy reversals.

Key quote:

"We’re definitely trying to future-proof California in every way, shape or form."

— Gavin Newsom, governor of California

Why this matters:

While a Trump administration might aim to shift the federal stance on climate change, states like California—with their legal authority, economic influence, and political will—could play a pivotal role in sustaining the momentum toward a cleaner, sustainable future.

Peter Dykstra’s 2020 piece: Climate, the campaign and the conventions.