Latest news with #LianeRandolph
Los Angeles Times
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Los Angeles Times
As Trump's EPA reverses landmark climate policy, California could lead a resistance
In a stunning move, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed to repeal its landmark 2009 finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health. The proposal would also revoke the standards the agency has set for greenhouse gas emissions from all motor vehicles. The so-called endangerment finding is a formal determination affirming that planet-warming greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane pose a threat to human health and the environment. It forms the legal and scientific basis for regulating these emissions under the Clean Air Act and is derived from decades of expert research and analysis. If it is reversed, many standards that rely on it could crumble — leaving the auto industry and other polluting sectors free to emit greenhouse gases without limits. But experts and state regulators say it could also represent a golden opportunity for California to set a national example, as the move may open the door for stronger regulations at the state level. 'Here in California, we recognize the science, we recognize the need for urgency, and we plan to continue doing the important work that will protect the public,' Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board, told The Times. The plan marks the latest in a string of actions by the Trump administration to reverse years of climate-change policy — including the EPA's proposed repeal of power plant emissions standards in June, and its recent affront on California's ability to set strict tailpipe emission standards. A 2007 Supreme Court case, Massachusetts vs. EPA, affirmed that greenhouse gases qualify as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act and that the EPA has the authority to regulate them. The finding became the legal foundation for regulating carbon emissions from vehicles, power plants and other polluting sectors and led to the formation of the endangerment finding two years later. A chorus of advocates and experts on Tuesday condemned the administration's plans to reverse this finding as dangerous and shortsighted. Independent researchers around the world have long concluded that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released by the burning of fossil fuels are dangerously warming the planet and contributing to worsening wildfires, extreme heat, floods and other natural disasters. The effect on California is unclear at this point. Some experts said the EPA's proposal could make it harder for California to achieve its climate goals — particularly because the effects of greenhouse gas emissions do not respect state or national borders. 'What these actions are going to mean is that there are more emissions, which causes more extreme weather, which ultimately harms the residents of California as well as the residents of the United States writ large,' said Kathy Harris, director of the clean vehicles program at the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council. By in effect creating the weakest possible standard, Harris said, the EPA is attempting to undermine California and other states' authority to set stronger rules and 'taking away the levers that states might have to be able to protect their citizens and their residents.' 'The Environmental Protection Agency has one job, which is to protect the environment, and they're giving up on that responsibility,' she said. However, other experts said California is uniquely positioned to weather the storm. The state has notoriously struggled with smog and air pollution and has been a leader in adopting aggressive environmental regulations far exceeding national standards. In fact, much of the state's ambitious work around clean air and climate predates the development of the endangerment finding and even the Clean Air Act. For example, California implemented the nation's first tailpipe emissions standards in the 1960s and became the first state to pass a law requiring greenhouse gas emissions reductions from vehicles in 2002. Randolph, of the air resources board, noted that California also led the nation with 2002's Renewables Portfolio Standard requiring utilities in the state to source increasing percentages of electricity from renewable energy sources, and 2006's Assembly Bill 32, which mandated the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 — a goal the state met four years of ahead of schedule. Senate Bill 100, enacted in 2018, further pioneered the clean energy space by mandating that all retail electricity sales in the state be powered by carbon-free resources by 2045, she said. These items fall under state authority and would not be affected by a repeal of the endangerment finding, Randolph said. Legal experts anticipated that if Donald Trump were reelected, he would drastically roll back federal greenhouse-gas regulation. 'With this proposal, the Trump EPA is proposing to end 16 years of uncertainty for automakers and American consumers,' read a statement from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. 'In our work so far, many stakeholders have told me that the Obama and Biden EPAs twisted the law, ignored precedent, and warped science to achieve their preferred ends and stick American families with hundreds of billions of dollars in hidden taxes every single year. ' Zeldin said the endangerment finding has been used to justify over $1 trillion in regulations that have throttled consumer choice. Ann Carlson, director of the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at UCLA, said that although some may see the EPA's move as another attempt to champion the fossil fuel industry, the decision could backfire. By ceding federal authority to regulate greenhouse gases, the Trump administration could unintentionally relinquish regulatory powers to California and other progressive states to carry out their own climate agenda, Carlson said. 'If the EPA is saying greenhouse gases aren't supposed to be regulated under the Clean Air Act, then that means they can be regulated under traditional state authority,' Carlson said. 'So this could have a silver lining for California. It would undoubtedly be litigated, but it may give California a strong legal argument that it can, in fact, go ahead and regulate greenhouse gases from vehicles.' Others said similarly that EPA's move might also have a galvanizing effect. 'They're proposing to walk away from all protections for public health and against these really damaging impacts of climate change,' said Peter Zalzal, associate vice president with the nonprofit Environmental Defense Fund. 'But states have always had an important role in regulating this pollution, and I think that role is even more pronounced in the environment we're living in.' That said, California is not immune to decisions made by the federal government. Fifty years ago, California asked for — and received — EPA waivers allowing it to set stricter tailpipe emissions than those mandated by the federal government. The waivers formed the foundation of the state's nation-leading ban on the sale of gas-powered cars in California by 2035. The Trump administration in June took the unprecedented step of revoking those waivers, which prompted an immediate lawsuit from California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, who argued that the move was unlawful. Meanwhile, Trump administration officials and auto industry representatives celebrated the EPA's latest announcement Tuesday. 'The trucking industry supports cleaner, more efficient technologies, but we need policies rooted in real-world conditions. We thank the Trump Administration for returning us to a path of common sense, so that we can keep delivering for the American people as we continue to reduce our environmental impact,' read a statement from American Trucking Assns. President and Chief Executive Chris Spear. 'Today's announcement is a monumental step toward returning to commonsense policies that expand access to affordable, reliable, secure energy and improve quality of life for all Americans,' said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. The EPA proposal will undergo a public comment period and review process before being finalized. Multiple environmental groups said they are prepared to challenge the rule in court.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Phoenix Motor Inc. to Supply Los Angeles County With Five (5) All-Electric, Zero-Emission Shuttle Buses
ANAHEIM, CA / / May 20, 2025 / Phoenix Motor Inc. (the "Company" or "PhoenixEV"), a leading manufacturer of medium-duty shuttle buses, trucks, and heavy-duty transit buses, announced today its first order of five (5) all-electric, zero-emission Z-400 shuttle buses from the County of Los Angeles Internal Services Department (ISD). These electric vehicles, built on the Ford E-450 chassis and powered by PhoenixEV technology, will enhance transit options for residents living in Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) public housing sites, offering a more sustainable way to connect. ISD, in collaboration with LACDA, secured a critical California Air Resources Board (CARB) Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) grant for its "Empowerment in Motion" initiative. STEP funds community-driven solutions to improve transportation equity in low-income and disadvantaged areas by enhancing mobility, increasing access to essential destinations, and reducing GHG emissions. STEP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment - particularly in disadvantaged communities. Aligned with the County's commitment to a zero-emissions fleet and clean transportation, this project will deploy five (5) electric shuttles to serve LACDA public housing residents, providing zero-emission mobility options and improved access to essential services. "By helping to provide zero-emission bus service to public-housing residents, STEP is meeting some of CARB's top priorities - to give more clean transportation options to disadvantaged communities that have fewer economic resources and face greater pollution," said CARB Chair Liane Randolph. "As a leading commercial electric medium and heavy-duty vehicle provider, PhoenixEV is well-positioned to support Los Angeles County with all-electric shuttle buses, and we are excited to be expanding our presence in Los Angeles, which is our largest market for our medium duty electric shuttles and trucks," says Denton Peng, CEO of PhoenixEV. The Phoenix Z-400 is equipped with a high-performance 90-kWh battery pack, offering a range of up to 125 miles on a single charge. The vehicles can be fully recharged in under two hours using a 100-kW Level III charger. Compared to traditional gas-powered shuttle buses, the Z-400 offers significant environmental benefits, including a reduction of approximately 61 tons of CO2 emissions annually per vehicle. Additionally, these electric buses are expected to lower maintenance costs by 75% and up to 80% decrease in fuel expenses. "We're thrilled to support Los Angeles County in their efforts to clean the air and promote sustainable transportation," says Denton Peng. "With our headquarters in Southern California, we're especially excited to see our all-electric Z-400 shuttle buses deployed locally, helping the county meet its environmental goals and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels." PhoenixEV continues its work in the electric vehicle sector, manufacturing, delivering clean, energy-efficient solutions for municipalities and businesses committed to reducing their environmental footprint. "The 'Empowerment in Motion' initiative, made possible by the generous support of the CARB STEP grant, enables advancement towards cleaner transportation options for Los Angeles County residents." stated Minh Le, General Manager of Energy and Environment Services at ISD. "This order of electric shuttles represents the initial phase in this project to provide equitable transportation services for residents that will connect them with key parts of their communities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "The LACDA is thankful to be a partner on this transportation equity pilot that will benefit the needs of our public housing residents," said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. "Not only will these electric vehicles reduce our carbon footprint, but they will also increase access to key destinations and create safe and accessible transportation options for our residents, by providing an alternative to public transportation. About Phoenix Motor Inc. Phoenix Motor Inc., Phoenix Motor, a pioneer in the electric vehicle (EV") industry, designs, builds, and integrates electric drive systems and manufactures heavy duty transit buses and medium and light duty commercial EVs. Phoenix operates two primary brands, "Phoenix", which is focused on commercial products including heavy and medium duty EVs (transit buses, shuttle buses, school buses and delivery trucks, among others) and "EdisonFuture", which intends to offer light-duty and commercial EVs. Phoenix endeavors to be a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of electric vehicles and electric vehicle technologies. To learn more, please visit: About the Internal Services Department The Internal Services Department (ISD) is a general services organization that supports the County of Los Angeles by providing a range of support services to other County departments in the areas of purchasing, contracting, facilities, information technology, and other support services, such as energy and environmental programs management, parking, and mail services. The County Board of Supervisors has designated ISD as the lead department for residential broadband service initiatives. ISD also administers Delete The Divide, an initiative to advance digital equity in underserved communities through partnerships, infrastructure investments, and technology resources that empower residents and small businesses. For more information, visit Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that involve significant risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements can be identified through the use of words such as "may," "might," "will," "intend," "should," "could," "can," "would," "continue," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "predict," "outlook," "potential," "plan," "seek," and similar expressions and variations or the negatives of these terms or other comparable terminology. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations and speak only as of the date of this release. Actual results may differ materially from the Company's current expectations depending upon a number of factors. These risk factors include, among others, those related to our ability to raise additional capital necessary to grow our business, operations and business and financial performance, our ability to grow demand for our products and revenue, our ability to become profitable, our ability to have access to an adequate supply of parts and materials and other critical components for our vehicles on the timeline we expect, the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the effects of the outbreak and actions taken in connection therewith, adverse changes in general economic and market conditions, competitive factors including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions, uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and market changes, risks associated with managing the growth of the business, and those other risks and uncertainties that are described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's annual report filed on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any responsibility to revise or update any forward-looking statements. Contact marketing@ Gentry, CEORedChip Companies, Inc.1-407-644-4256PEV@ SOURCE: Phoenix Motor Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Officials announce plans to spend $500 million on next-gen school buses that will be safer for students: 'Committed to continuing efforts to reduce children's exposure'
Students across California will be riding in sustainable style, thanks to 1,000 new electric school buses that the state is purchasing. The state is spending $500 million on the new buses, which will go to more than 130 school districts in rural and low-income areas, The Washington Post reported. Also included in that funding is money for about 500 school bus charging stations. The buses are mostly paid for by California's Cap-and-Trade Program. The program caps the allowable amount of annual carbon emissions and allows for a limited number of allowances to be purchased at auction, with each allowance equal to one metric ton of emissions. "California is committed to continuing efforts to reduce children's exposure to toxic diesel pollution through the deployment of zero-emission school buses," California Air Resources Board chair Liane Randolph said. "State funding is especially critical as schools grapple with the rollback of federal support." Hundreds of school districts nationwide are waiting on federal funding to cover the costs of their own electric buses. The Environmental Protection Agency previously promised $900 million in funding to cover the costs of more than 3,400 such buses, but that funding has now been frozen under the Trump Administration. Electric school buses produce no tailpipe pollution, making them significantly better for the environment than their gas-powered counterparts. Over its lifecycle, a gas-powered bus generates up to three times as many carbon emissions as an electric option, according to Environmental Defense Fund data. Electric buses aren't just eco-friendly and considerably better for students' health, but they're also good financial investments. Although their up-front costs are higher than those of their gas-powered counterparts, fuel and maintenance savings can make electric buses considerably cheaper over time. Data shows that the total cost of ownership for an electric school bus, over its lifespan, can be as much as $243,000 less than a diesel bus. Should the government be paying us to upgrade our homes? Definitely Depends on how much it costs Depends on what it's for No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lodi Unified to receive funding for zero-emission buses
Apr. 26—Lodi Unified School District is one of four in the county that will be receiving funding to purchase zero-emission electric buses in the near future. Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday that $500 million was awarded to educational agencies to buy zero-emission school buses and chargers through the Zero-Emissions School Bus and Infrastructure project. The project aims to invest $500 million to deliver 1,000 buses to some 133 school districts across the state by 2035. Clean school buses funded by the state are expected to reduce 18,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, which is equal to taking more than 4,000 cars off the road for a year. More than 70% of the current zero-emission school buses in operation are in California's most pollution-burdened communities, the state said. "Cleaning up the state's school bus fleet is central to California's efforts to provide clean transportation in priority communities that are disproportionately hurt by air pollution," California Air Resources Board Chair Liane Randolph said. "The vast majority of these grants will go to local educational agencies that serve these communities." To date, the state has provided more than $1.3 billion in incentives to fund more than 2,300 zero-emission school buses at school districts, of which 1,100 are already in use. More than 300 districts and local education agencies have purchased at least one zero-emission school bus — and some have made the switch to a 100% clean fleet. Monique Fraticelli Esparza, Lodi Unified's director of transportation, said the district has applied for the Zero-Emissions School Bus and Infrastructure grant, as well as a San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District grant. The district is currently awaiting notification that it qualifies and how much in funding it will receive, she said. "As of now, we do not have any zero-emission buses in our fleet," she said. "These grant applications were submitted with the goal of replacing 20 of our older school buses with 20 new electric buses to support our efforts toward cleaner, more sustainable student transportation." "California has set important benchmarks for removing internal combustion vehicles from our roads and replacing them with clean transportation," California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild said. "CEC is helping school districts move in that direction by funding ZESBI." The state hopes that the buses will help its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 and help protect children who are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts from diesel exhaust. Linden, Manteca and Stockton Unified school districts will also benefit from the state's allocation. Newsom also announced on Wednesday that California saw a 177% increase in its Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project from 2023 to 2024. The program is funded primarily with proceeds from the cap-and-trade program and provides point-of-sale discounts to make zero-emission trucks and buses more accessible for fleets and businesses. In February alone more than 200 HVIP-funded zero-emission trucks and buses were deployed with $31 million in incentives, the state said.
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
California Vows to Defend Car Emissions Rules Despite Trump
(Bloomberg) -- California's top air regulator said the state will not sit idle as President Donald Trump moves to revoke its waiver to regulate vehicle emissions. State Farm Seeks Emergency California Rate Hike After Fires New York's First 'Passive House' School Is a Model of Downtown Density When French Communists Went on a Brutalist Building Boom NYC's Newest Transit Leader Builds a Worker-Driven Strategy Historic London Elevator Faces Last Stop in Labour's Housing Push 'We will be very active in fighting for clean air,' said Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board, said Tuesday at the BloombergNEF transport and technology summit in San Francisco. 'They just don't get to snap their fingers and say we are reversing this waiver.' Trump is seeking to review and reconsider all fuel-economy standards for vehicles so they're in line with the administration's fossil fuel-favoring energy policy. The White House would be at odds with California Governor Gavin Newsom, who in 2020 ordered regulators to phase out the internal combustion engine and ban the sale of all new gasoline-fueled cars after 2035. Elon Musk Inside the Treasury Department Payment System Amazon and SpaceX Want In on India's Satellite Internet Market The NFL's Flawed DEI Program Still Beats What Most Companies Are Doing The Internet Almost Killed Barnes & Noble, Then Saved It Indy Pass, the Anti-Vail Seasonal Ski Ticket, Is Gaining Fans ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
