Newsom criticizes Trump administration rollback of federal vehicle emission standards

Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a response to recent actions by the Trump administration that roll back federal climate protections. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced changes to emissions standards for vehicles and proposed reversing the “endangerment finding,” which has served as the basis for federal efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and methane. Additionally, the EPA plans to close a key scientific research office.

In a joint statement with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Newsom said: “Americans deserve the truth from their federal government about the climate crisis. No amount of burying research or firing scientists will change the facts: Greenhouse gas pollution causes climate change and endangers our health and welfare — period.

From devastating floods to extreme heat to catastrophic wildfire, Americans are seeing the deadly impacts of climate change with their own eyes and we won’t be deceived by the Trump administration’s reckless abandonment of science and the law.”

California continues efforts to address harmful climate pollutants, including methane. Earlier this year, California launched a satellite project aimed at detecting and reducing methane leaks.

The state reports progress in reducing pollution while growing its economy. Since 2000, California’s greenhouse gas emissions have dropped by 20%, while its gross domestic product increased by 78%. In 2023, two-thirds of California’s electricity came from clean energy sources—the highest proportion among large economies worldwide—and portions of each day have seen power supplied entirely by clean electricity.

Since Governor Newsom took office, battery storage capacity in California has risen above 15,000 megawatts—a more than 1,900% increase—and over 25,000 megawatts of new resources have been added to the electric grid.