California Governor Gavin Newsom is actively preparing for a potentially challenging second Trump presidency, seeking federal protections for the state’s progressive policies on climate change, reproductive rights, and immigration.
Meeting with the Biden administration this week in Washington, D.C., Newsom aims to safeguard key policies, such as California’s landmark 2035 ban on new gas-powered car sales.
With the Trump administration’s previous opposition to California’s environmental regulations, particularly in transportation emissions, Newsom is focusing on maintaining the state’s authority over zero-emission vehicle sales and other environmental standards.
Experts like Ethan Elkind from UC Berkeley emphasize the vulnerability of California’s transportation policies, particularly with the Trump administration’s past actions, such as revoking California’s ability to enforce its own tailpipe emissions limits in 2019.
Newsom’s plans also include securing federal waivers for other sectors, like heavy-duty vehicles and construction equipment.
While Democratic leaders support Newsom’s efforts, some Republican lawmakers caution against an overly confrontational approach, urging strategic negotiations.
Furthermore, President-elect Trump’s administration could cut federal funding for the California high-speed rail project, another critical initiative that has received financial support under President Biden’s administration.
Newsom remains confident in California’s resilience, signaling that his administration is prepared for both public confrontations and behind-the-scenes efforts to protect the state’s priorities.