California is taking steps to resist the Trump Administration’s attacks on its car pollution regulations amid a legal fight over the state’s power to regulate emissions. State agencies are recommending policies that require stable funding, legislative action, or lengthy rulemaking.
Air Resources Board chair Liane Randolph said “clean air efforts are under siege, putting the health of every American at risk.” The board proposes strengthening consumer protections for clean car owners and curtailing diesel pollution from freight hubs like ports and warehouses. A new clean cars rule is also on the horizon, with a start date that could potentially see gas-powered cars phased out.
Experts say California has more power than its executive and legislative branches are using to fight back against Trump’s attacks on climate policies. They call for bolder action, including disincentivizing gas-powered cars through fees and charging high-polluting vehicles with rebates to fund clean-car programs.
The proposal comes after the federal government canceled waivers issued under the Clean Air Act that allowed California to set more aggressive car standards. The collapse of a trucking deal between major manufacturers also escalated tensions, with four manufacturers filing a lawsuit against the state’s voluntary partnership aimed at advancing zero-emission technology.
As diesel pollution chokes communities near ports and warehouses, experts say the transition to cleaner trucks could slow down without strong rules or incentives. With Trump’s administration moving aggressively to dismantle climate policies, California must take bold action to protect public health and fight for a cleaner future.
Source: https://calmatters.org/environment/climate-change/2025/08/trump-climate-counter