SAN DIEGO – As federal efforts to roll back environmental regulations intensify, local environmentalists are expressing concerns about the potential impact on California’s stringent environmental protections.
However, Nicole Capretz, founder and CEO of the Climate Action Campaign, a nonprofit environmental watchdog group, offers a glimmer of hope.
Capretz emphasizes that California’s progressive environmental regulations provide a buffer against any significant federal setbacks.
“The Clean Air Act hasn’t been repealed, and breathing standards and emissions caps are still legally valid,” she affirmed, noting the framework of Congressional and judicial oversight that remains in place in California.
The process of repealing federal regulations, as Capretz explained, involves intricate agency action, public notice, and often leads to lawsuits. This system means that even the rollback of certain protections can face delays or be obstructed altogether.
She pointed out the existence of state-specific health-based standards for pollutants including ozone, fine particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. Additionally, California utilizes pollution credit auctions, channeling proceeds back into clean energy initiatives and climate-focused programs.
Capretz also remarked on the state’s ambitious climate laws aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
“California has its own sets of climate and air quality laws,” she said, highlighting that the federal government doesn’t hold absolute power to dismantle local environmental actions.
Despite the challenges presented by the current federal administration’s environmental policy rollbacks, which Capretz described as “a punch to the gut,” she reassured that California’s regulatory framework remains intact and enforceable.
“We still have some laws on the books, and they’re still enforceable,” she noted.
Capretz cited California’s robust air quality laws as an essential component for safeguarding public health amidst any potential federal cutbacks.
Moreover, she underscored the existence of processes in place for legally challenging any weakening of these protections, although they often require time to unfold.
“What we’re focusing on now is worst-case scenarios,” Capretz stated. “How can we still protect clean air through our vehicle-emission standards?”
While the San Diego environmental community may feel weary and impacted by current federal policies, Capretz remains optimistic, encouraging continued leadership in environmental advocacy.
“Let’s not give up hope. Let’s continue to lead the way,” she insisted.
Highlighting an international perspective, Capretz pointed out that the United States can learn valuable lessons from China, which is shifting away from reliance on fossil fuels in favor of a more sustainable economy.
“The future is electricity, which China is already embracing,” she noted, commenting on China’s commitment to transitioning toward a 100% electric economy.
“China has tripled down on this transition. They don’t want to be vulnerable to the cycles of the fossil-fuel market,” Capretz explained.
Rather pointedly, she noted that one rarely finds gas-powered vehicles in China, contrasting it with the U.S. reliance on traditional energy sources.
Capretz advocates for a green transition in the United States, emphasizing that renewable energy sources are now the most cost-effective and reliable.
“Green is now the least-expensive, most-reliable, the most-resilient form of energy,” she asserted, calling for a shift in perspective that sees embracing green energy as the “Holy Grail” of global energy solutions.
In 2025, the Climate Action Campaign will support significant state legislation designed to lower utility bills and ensure accountability among utility companies.
Additionally, the organization plans to promote new clean air regulations at the San Diego Air Pollution Control District, to reduce pollution and enhance public health.
Another goal is to secure commitments from numerous local school districts, including San Diego Unified, to transition from gas-powered to electric building appliances, ultimately impacting over 185,000 students.
Furthermore, the campaign aims to empower the upcoming generation of climate advocates through grassroots organizing and advocacy initiatives.
image source from：timesofsandiego
