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California's Climate Policies: Preparing for Potential Federal Rollbacks

2024-10-12 09:40:19.012000

California is actively working to safeguard its climate policies from potential changes that could arise under a second Trump administration. Officials are devising strategies that include lawsuits and new regulations leveraging state authority to maintain their ambitious climate goals [0cd43d6c]. Among these goals, California mandates that three-quarters of new trucks sold after 2035 must be zero emissions and aims to ban the sale of new gas-powered passenger vehicles by the same year. This initiative has garnered support from 16 states that have pledged to follow California's car regulations [0cd43d6c].

Former President Trump has promised to revoke California's Clean Air Act waiver, which allows the state to set stricter air quality standards than the federal government. This potential action raises concerns about the future of California's climate regulations, which have historically influenced global standards [0cd43d6c]. In response, California plans to create a $10 billion climate bond to fund its climate initiatives and bolster its defenses against federal rollbacks [0cd43d6c].

California has a history of legal battles against federal attempts to undermine its climate policies, and state officials are exploring legal agreements with various industries to further reduce emissions [0cd43d6c]. Additionally, California's climate diplomacy includes partnerships with international entities such as China and the European Union, emphasizing the state's commitment to global climate leadership [0cd43d6c].

Meanwhile, farmers in California are facing challenges due to the state's climate program, which is creating a multimillion-dollar market for factory farm gas, or methane from animal manure, through the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. This program rewards the biggest and most polluting industrial hog and dairy operations, while disadvantaging family farm livestock producers [9cc02b3d]. The program incentivizes industrial operations to expand and build more factory farms, leading to more manure, air and water pollution, and climate-warming methane. Family farms practicing sustainable methods are barred from participating in the market [9cc02b3d].

State regulators in California are planning to reject a plan to phase out these harmful subsidies until 2040, giving major industrial operations decades to continue profiting from the program [9cc02b3d]. This has raised concerns among family farmers who argue that the program should be phased out sooner to support sustainable, traditional farming practices [9cc02b3d]. Darvin Bentlage, a family farmer, has urged California regulators to reconsider their approach and prioritize sustainable farming methods over industrial operations [9cc02b3d].

The challenges faced by farmers in California highlight the complexities of balancing environmental sustainability with the needs of the agricultural sector. While the state's climate program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it inadvertently disadvantages family farmers and promotes the expansion of industrial operations [9cc02b3d]. Finding a solution that supports both environmental goals and the livelihoods of farmers is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector in California.

Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford says that only 1 of the past 18 months in Illinois was cooler than its 20th century average temperature [6d8aa1c5]. The House subcommittee on agricultural appropriations cut Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's proposed budget by nearly $2.7 billion, with Chairman Rep. Andy Harris stating that climate change initiatives would not be prioritized over mission-critical services to farmers [6d8aa1c5]. A poll by Farm Journal magazine found that 85% of farmers surveyed believe conservation funding plays an important role in helping farmers adapt to extreme weather, and 67% believe it plays an important role in protecting farms from the effects of climate change [6d8aa1c5]. The article suggests that unless the House Agriculture and Ag Appropriations committees start listening to their constituents, farmers may become frustrated [6d8aa1c5].

Canada and Manitoba are investing $10.9 million in 32 projects through the Low Carbon Economy Fund. The projects aim to reduce emissions, help Manitoba businesses access low-carbon technologies, save money and energy, create jobs, and build climate resilient communities. The grants will primarily support the switch from diesel to electric grain handling equipment and from diesel to electric powered irrigation systems. Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt and federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault express their commitment to reducing pollution and building more resilient communities. The first round of projects includes over a dozen local projects [15c09107].

The Government of Saskatchewan has filed an injunction against the Canada Revenue Agency over the non-payment of the carbon tax. Last fall, the federal government announced an exemption to the carbon tax for home heating oil, and the provincial government announced it would do the same for any home heating in Saskatchewan. There were concerns about how this move might affect carbon tax rebates for residents and possible fines or charges from Ottawa. In April, Premier Scott Moe said the Canada Revenue Agency would be auditing the province over the non-payment of the carbon tax. Justice Minister Bronwyn Eyre announced that the Canada Revenue Agency is trying to garnish the province's accounts, and the province has filed an injunction to stop it. The Government of Saskatchewan is also planning to push back against other federal regulations, including the Clean Electricity Regulations expected to come into effect on January 1. [042f6341]

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