Key Takeaways:
– The return of the Trump administration potentially jeopardises numerous clean air initiatives in California.
– The Biden administration has yet to approve many of the introduced regulations, resulting in a risk of outright rejection by the incoming authorities.
– Should Biden’s administration fail to act before January 19, Trump, known for his disdain towards California’s unique legislation, is likely to have the final say.
– Even if the regulations are enacted by the current administration before the deadline, a Republican sweep of Congress could overturn them.
– Collectively, the delayed enforcement of the seven of the eight proposed clean air regulations is anticipated to deter 11,000 premature deaths and provide a health benefit of $116 billion over the next three decades.
Air Quality Initiatives in Peril
The future of a series of California’s rigorous clean air rules appear grim with the return of former President Trump into office. These initiatives were designed to promote the State’s climate goals and bring it into compliance with national air quality standards.
In recent years, the State saw the implementation of a set of unique air-related regulations, including prohibiting new gasoline-powered car sales by 2035 and restricting diesel-fueled vehicles visiting state ports and railyards in 2036.
Clearing the Judicial Path
Unfortunately, many of the regulations, awaiting approval by the Biden administration, presently face outright rejection by Trump administration. Climate leaders in California and globally admitted to preparing against extensive opposition to these moves. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is likely to delay waivers for eight clean air rules, potentially stalling their effect.
Approval, Delays, and Effects
The Biden administration has until January 19 to ratify these rules. A failure to do so will give the incoming administration the power to make the call, a situation further complicated by Trump’s clear disdain for California’s unique legislation.
A potential Republican sweep of Congress could overthrow even those rules initiated by Biden’s EPA before the looming January deadline. Congressional Review Act grants power to Congress to examine any primary federal rules adopted within the final 60 legislative session days.
Risk on California’s Regulations
The Small Off-Road Engines rule, adopted in 2021, would ban the sale of gas-powered yard equipment. It is estimated to prevent 887 premature deaths and provide $9 billion in public health benefits.
The Commercial Harbor Craft rule, adopted in 2022, calls for more watercraft to replace their older engines with newer, cleaner models. It was estimated to prevent 531 premature deaths and provide $5 billion in health benefits.
The Advanced Clean Cars II rule, adopted in 2022, mandates an increasing proportion of new cars sold at California auto dealerships to be zero-emission or plug-in hybrids. It is estimated to prevent 1,287 premature deaths and offer $13 billion in public health benefits.
Concerns about the Delay
The delay in enforcing these rules has not only affected implementation in California but also in other states that have chosen to adhere to California’s tougher climate rules instead of the federal government’s. EPA’s inaction has postponed seven out of eight clean air rules enforcement.
According to the American Lung Association, California’s pending clean air rules would prevent 11,000 premature deaths and provide $116 billion in health benefits over the next three decades. Any deferring action until there’s more regulatory clarity would prolong the health risks connected to air pollution.
Conclusion
While Trump’s return to the White House brings an uncertain future for California’s ambitious clean air rules, environmentalists and state representatives remain hopeful. These standards represent a powerful step towards a greener, cleaner future that promises substantial public health benefits.