Golden State Today

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Governor Gavin Newsom, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are spearheading a coalition of 23 attorneys general and four cities to intervene in defense of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s final rule for light- and medium-duty vehicles emissions standards for model years 2027-2032. The move comes as the rule faces challenges from 25 Republican-led states aiming to hinder efforts to reduce emissions from the transportation sector.

Attorney General Rob Bonta expressed his stance on the matter, stating, "This lawsuit is just another attempt to take the country backwards in the fight against climate change and air pollution." Governor Gavin Newsom also emphasized California's proactive approach, declaring, “California won’t sit back – we’re not going to watch radical Republicans put the profits of big oil over the health of our planet.” CARB Chair Liane Randolph highlighted the importance of innovation and urgency in addressing air quality challenges and the role of manufacturers and consumers in working towards a healthier future.

The Final Rule sets stricter tailpipe emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles, aiming to reduce harmful air pollutants such as greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. It is designed to lead to a significant reduction in GHG emissions from both passenger cars and larger vehicles, as well as promote the transition to electric vehicles. These emissions standards also target reductions in nitrogen oxides, non-methane organic gases, and particulate matter.

The intervention by California officials and CARB reflects their commitment to supporting the Biden Administration’s efforts to cut emissions from light- and medium-duty vehicles and uphold the EPA's authority to establish stringent vehicle emissions standards. This action follows a similar coalition's defense of EPA's emissions standards for model years 2023-2026 in 2022.

The coalition led by Attorney General Bonta, Governor Newsom, and CARB includes representatives from various states and cities, all united in their goal to protect public health and the environment. Their motion to intervene in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit underscores California's unwavering dedication to advancing clean vehicle technology and environmental justice.