Trump tries to crush California environmental policies
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The gist
Trump administration enlists half-dozen federal agencies to undermine California's climate policies. The state's leadership in environmental protection is under direct federal attack.
Background
California has long been a leader in environmental regulation, with federal law allowing it to set stricter auto emissions standards since the 1970s. After the 2024 election, Governor Newsom pledged to insulate the state's policies from a second Trump term, making it a target. The administration has used various agencies to block state authority and promote fossil fuel projects.
How it unfolded
- 2024 electionNewsom pledged to insulate California's environmental policies from a second Trump administration.
- Aug 14, 2026California rejected an offshore fracking plan amid the ongoing battle with Trump.
- Aug 20, 2026NYT reports on the administration's multi-agency effort, including blocking auto emission limits, funding a coal terminal, and canceling wind farms.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Newsom spokesperson Anthony Martinez: 'This is a White House run for Big Oil, by Big Oil.'
- Caution
- Trump officials cite California's 'environmental extremism' in ramping up an investigation into the state's compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act.
Still unverified
The claim that the White House is 'run for Big Oil, by Big Oil' is an opinion from Newsom's spokesperson, not independently verified.