With its climate progress under assault, California takes up a multipronged defense

Donald Trump has initiated or proposed more than 150 actions that experts say are detrimental to the environment. Many of these actions have been part of the president’s larger goals of reining in government spending, increasing energy independence and restructuring federal agencies. But some also appear to target one state in particular: California. Long known as a nationwide leader in climate and environmental policy, the Golden State has been in Trump’s crosshairs since his first administration, when he sparred with Gov. Gavin Newsom over issues such as forest and water-supply management. Trump received record donations from oil and gas companies during his campaign. California, a Democratic stronghold, has set aggressive climate targets that seek to limit those industries and transition the state to carbon neutrality by 2045. The state has filed or joined nearly 50 legal actions against the current administration, at least seven of which pertain to theenvironment. The lawsuits challenge attempts to claw back funding for the construction of electric vehicle charging stations across the country; wind energy development; and the AmeriCorps program.

Source: Latimes.com  |  Read full article