Governor Gavin Newsom is embarking on a crucial mission to Washington D.C. this week, aiming to secure key California programs before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. With time running short, Newsom's trip underscores the urgency to protect the state's interests in environmental policies and disaster funding.
The governor's agenda is packed with high-stakes meetings with California's congressional delegation and top officials from the Biden-Harris administration. A primary focus is urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve waivers for California's stringent vehicle emissions standards.
Eight clean-air rules await EPA approval, including a groundbreaking measure to ban the sale of gas-powered yard equipment and another to phase out diesel engines in trains by 2058. The American Lung Association estimates these rules could prevent 11,000 premature deaths over three decades and generate over $100 billion in health benefits.
Newsom is also advocating for the use of Medicaid funding to support programs for homeless individuals with significant behavioral needs. Additionally, he seeks to secure disaster-related funding, particularly for wildfire management - a contentious issue given Trump's previous threats to withhold such funds.
This Washington visit is part of Newsom's broader strategy to shield California from potential policy reversals under the incoming Trump administration. Last week, the governor convened a special legislative session to boost funding for litigation against Trump's policies, a move that drew sharp criticism from the President-elect.
As California braces for a potential shift in federal priorities, Newsom's D.C. trip represents a final push to cement key state programs and maintain California's progressive stance on environmental and social issues. The outcomes of these meetings could significantly impact the state's ability to pursue its policy goals in the face of an administration change.