10/13/2024

Commutes, Jobs At Stake In California’s Clean Air Battle With Trump

Unrelenting commutes. Lost construction jobs. A statewide economic shudder. Prepare for all three if California loses its clean air battle with the Trump administration.

That’s the warning from state transportation planning agency officials, who say the ongoing fight over passenger vehicle standards might cause collateral damage to road and public transit projects. That could affect air quality, construction jobs, the economy and, as projects designed to improve flow are delayed, ensure Californians stay stuck in traffic.

The clash is over proposed federal rollbacks to Obama-era fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for vehicles. Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency also has proposed revoking a waiver that lets California make its own, stricter tailpipe emissions rules. The final rule hasn’t been released yet—and when it is, California intends to fight it in court.

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