Car enthusiast Gary Ellison. Image by Ellie ApplebyIs the latest legislative effort to exempt classic cars from California’s emissions laws about to run out of gas? The answer to that question could come as early as Friday when the Senate Committee on Appropriations weighs in on SB 712, also known as “Leno’s Law” for its support from former Tonight Show host and noted car enthusiast Jay Leno.
EV questions. Image by wildpixel. OPINION – As multiple media outlets have reported, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is getting into the ring to defend the electric vehicle mandates they have foisted upon California’s families and businesses. Unfortunately, CARB’s staunch defense of anti-consumer regulations is a master class in disinformation – purposefully designed to deceive Californians.
CCS symbol for Carbon Capture Storage. Image by Andrzej RostekCARB’s long-awaited report detailing its strategy for achieving net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases associated with cement makes no mention of negative-carbon cement, which has the potential (with projected demand growth) to meet most, if not all, of the IPCC’s projected Carbon Dioxide Removal requirement at zero net cost.
Image by Thawatchai ChawongOPINION – As the legislature begins deliberations on cap-and-trade reauthorization, two questions are paramount: Has the cap-and-trade program accomplished its initial goals, and what should be its goals going forward?
Landfill with burning trash piles. Image by Collab MediaOPINION – California has long been a leader in the fight against climate change, but in the crucial battle to reduce methane emissions from landfills, we are falling behind. It’s time for the California Air Resources Board to address this problem before it’s too late.
Image by Scharfsinn86OPINION – California recently withdrew its EPA waiver request for its Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation in anticipation of the Trump administration’s opposition. However, CARB need not abandon ACF; the regulation could be reformed as a “feebate” incentive, which would circumvent federal preemption and could also have other advantages over an inflexible standard.
Image by WirestockOPINION – The return of Donald Trump to the White House magnifies all the threats that make voter-approved Proposition 4 necessary, increases the likelihood of poisoned air and water and runaway climate change, and destroys the hope that the federal government will help California navigate those challenges in the next four years.
Image by PetmalOPINION – Truck manufacturers are not mass producing heavy-duty commercial electric trucks, a sign that the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations hailed revolutionary, are not working as intended.
Cement plant and ready mix concrete. Image by Maksim SafaniukOpinion – Cement and concrete in our state must continue to be available at scale. It is vital for every aspect of our built environment, and as our weather becomes more extreme, it is critical to keep producing a resilient and durable material like concrete to future-proof our communities.
Los Angeles, California, USA - 12 January 2024: Empty container ship MSC Athos being assisted by a tug boat to enter the port of Los Angeles. Image by Ceri BreezeOPINION – California’s approach to environmental regulations must balance immediate effects with long-term consequences. Recent California Air Resources Board (CARB) amendments to the Commercial Harbor Craft Rule highlight the need for this balance.