A second Trump presidency could lead to significant rollbacks of environmental regulations, shifting focus back to fossil fuels. Experts highlight California’s potential role in resisting these changes and the importance of appointing experienced leaders in key environmental agencies. The clean energy transition will likely continue despite potential slowdowns, while U.S. withdrawal from international climate agreements could severely impact global cooperation on climate issues.
The potential repercussions of a second Trump administration on environmental and climate policy are substantial. President Trump is expected to advocate for the rollback of numerous environmental regulations, diverting the country’s focus back toward fossil fuels. Experts from UCLA, Cara Horowitz and Ann Carlson, share insights on the impending impacts and the resilience of environmental initiatives, particularly in California. Cara Horowitz, Executive Director of the Emmett Institute at UCLA, is confident California will spearhead resistance against federal deregulation, reinforcing both state and international climate initiatives. With its proactive climate policies, California is poised to participate actively in global discussions and partnerships, including collaborations with nations like China, while simultaneously engaging in legal action when necessary. Ann Carlson, an Environmental Law professor at UCLA, emphasizes the importance of appointing qualified individuals to agencies such as the EPA. Given the complexities inherent in governance, particularly in an anti-regulatory framework, experienced leadership is essential to mitigate legal pitfalls faced during Trump’s first term. A lack of competent appointees could lead to repeated mistakes exacerbating legal challenges. Regarding litigation, Horowitz foresees that a second Trump term could undermine compliance with U.S. federal environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act. During the earlier administration, environmental advocacy groups and states were pivotal in holding the government accountable through the courts. The outcome of these legal battles will be closely scrutinized, especially considering the shifts within the federal judiciary since 2016. Despite anticipated setbacks under a Trump administration, Carlson asserts that the clean energy transition is an ongoing phenomenon that cannot be obstructed entirely. Renewables now account for a significant portion of electricity generation, and with global markets focusing on clean energy, the transition toward sustainable sources will continue, albeit potentially at a slower pace. Trump’s potential withdrawal from international climate commitments, particularly the Paris Agreement, poses a serious concern. Horowitz explains that such an action would diminish U.S. influence in global climate negotiations and signal disengagement from collaborative efforts to address climate change, especially at a critical juncture when international cooperation is vital. Moreover, the administration is reportedly contemplating a withdrawal from the foundational United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, an act that could isolate the U.S. significantly from global climate dialogue.
This article discusses the implications of a possible second term for Donald Trump, specifically in relation to environmental and climate policies within the United States. It highlights the views of UCLA experts who analyze the expectations for regulatory rollback and state-level resistance, along with the broader impact on international climate commitments. The insights provided serve to underscore the interconnected nature of governance, public policy, and global climate change negotiations.
In summary, a second Trump presidency is poised to significantly impact environmental and climate policy by rolling back regulations and shifting focus back to fossil fuels. Experts underscore the resilience of states like California in countering these efforts, emphasizing the importance of experienced leadership within regulatory agencies. Furthermore, the continuity of the clean energy transition and potential U.S. withdrawal from international climate agreements remain critical considerations that will shape the global climate landscape in the coming years.
Original Source: newsroom.ucla.edu
