· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The EPA has granted California two waivers under the Clean Air Act to enforce stricter vehicle emissions rules, including a 2035 ban on gasoline-powered car sales and a 90% cut in diesel truck emissions by 2027
• This decision sets the stage for a legal clash with President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously revoked such waivers
• Eleven other states follow California’s standards, influencing 40% of the U.S. auto market
🔭 The context: California has long led efforts to combat transportation emissions, the largest source of greenhouse gases in the U.S. Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2020 executive order prompted the development of zero-emission vehicle mandates
• Critics, including Trump and some automakers, argue the rules are overly ambitious and burdensome for consumers
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: California's rules aim to significantly reduce harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change mitigation
• Success in implementing these standards could accelerate the U.S. transition to cleaner transportation, with ripple effects globally
⏭️ What's next: Trump is expected to revoke California’s waivers, triggering legal battles that could create uncertainty for automakers
• Meanwhile, the EPA is reviewing additional California waiver requests, including for trains and harbor craft
💬 One quote: “Naysayers like President-elect Trump would prefer to side with the oil industry over consumers and American automakers, but California will continue fostering new innovations in the market.” – Governor Gavin Newsom
📈 One stat: Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in both California and the U.S.
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