Latest news with #climatepolicy
Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Wall Street Journal
France, Yes Even France, Rethinks Low-Emissions Zones
Europeans love climate policies in theory, but they're discovering that in practice they're also , well, impractical. The latest example comes from France, where lawmakers across the political spectrum voted this week to remove constraints on urban driving. France wants 66% of new car sales to be electric by 2030, a target that can only be reached if Paris takes the wheel. This year the government expanded its low-emission-zones scheme to restrict older gas-powered vehicles from driving in any city with more than 150,000 residents. Violators face hefty fines.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
EU to propose more flexible climate goal in July
After months of delay, the 2040 EU climate target will be decided on July 2. (EPA Images pic) BRUSSELS : The European Commission will propose a new EU climate target in July that includes flexibilities for how countries meet it, as Brussels attempts to fend off mounting criticism of Europe's environmental aims, EU diplomats told Reuters. The EU's climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, confirmed plans to present an EU climate target for 2040 on July 2, during a meeting with EU countries' representatives on Wednesday, diplomats familiar with the closed-door talks told Reuters. The proposal will set an EU goal to cut net greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels, the diplomats said. However, the EU executive plans to add flexibilities to that target, which could reduce what it demands from domestic industries. The flexibilities include setting an emissions-cutting target for domestic industries that is lower than 90% and letting countries buy international carbon credits to make up the rest, to reach 90%, the diplomats said. A European Commission spokesman declined to comment on the plans. The commission has promised not to weaken Europe's ambitious climate aims, despite mounting criticism from governments and lawmakers concerned about the cost for European businesses, which are struggling with high energy prices and looming US tariffs. Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent. The commission has delayed its 2040 climate proposal for months, and has weakened other green laws in recent months to try to calm the political pushback. EU countries are split over the 2040 goal, which they and EU lawmakers must approve. Finland, the Netherlands and Denmark are among those backing a 90% emissions cut. Opponents include Italy and the Czech Republic. Germany has backed a 90% target if countries can use international carbon credits to meet three percentage points of the goal. The commission is also considering softening requirements for countries to cut emissions in specific sectors – giving them more choice over which industries do the heavy lifting to meet the goal, the diplomats said. The 2040 goal will aim to keep EU countries on track between their 2030 emissions target – which they are nearly on track to meet – and the EU's aim to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
EU to propose more flexible climate goal in July, sources say
BRUSSELS - The European Commission will propose a new EU climate target in July that includes flexibilities for how countries meet it, as Brussels attempts to fend off mounting criticism of Europe's environmental aims, EU diplomats told Reuters. The European Union's climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, confirmed plans to present an EU climate target for 2040 on July 2, during a meeting with EU countries' representatives on Wednesday, diplomats familiar with the closed-door talks told Reuters. The proposal will set an EU goal to cut net greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels, the diplomats said. However, the EU executive plans to add flexibilities to that target, which could reduce what it demands from domestic industries. The flexibilities include setting an emissions-cutting target for domestic industries that is lower than 90% and letting countries buy international carbon credits to make up the rest, to reach 90%, the diplomats said. A European Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the plans. The Commission has promised not to weaken Europe's ambitious climate aims, despite mounting criticism from governments and lawmakers concerned about the cost for European businesses, which are struggling with high energy prices and looming U.S. tariffs. Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent. The Commission has delayed its 2040 climate proposal for months, and has weakened other green laws in recent months to try to calm the political pushback. EU countries are split over the 2040 goal, which they and EU lawmakers must approve. Finland, the Netherlands and Denmark are among those backing a 90% emissions cut. Opponents include Italy and the Czech Republic. Germany has backed a 90% target if countries can use international carbon credits to meet three percentage points of the goal. The Commission is also considering softening requirements for countries to cut emissions in specific sectors - giving them more choice over which industries do the heavy lifting to meet the goal, the diplomats said. The 2040 goal will aim to keep EU countries on track between their 2030 emissions target - which they are nearly on track to meet - and the EU's aim to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
EU to propose more flexible climate goal in July, sources say
BRUSSELS, May 30 (Reuters) - The European Commission will propose a new EU climate target in July that includes flexibilities for how countries meet it, as Brussels attempts to fend off mounting criticism of Europe's environmental aims, EU diplomats told Reuters. The European Union's climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, confirmed plans to present an EU climate target for 2040 on July 2, during a meeting with EU countries' representatives on Wednesday, diplomats familiar with the closed-door talks told Reuters. The proposal will set an EU goal to cut net greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels, the diplomats said. However, the EU executive plans to add flexibilities to that target, which could reduce what it demands from domestic industries. The flexibilities include setting an emissions-cutting target for domestic industries that is lower than 90% and letting countries buy international carbon credits to make up the rest, to reach 90%, the diplomats said. A European Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the plans. The Commission has promised not to weaken Europe's ambitious climate aims, despite mounting criticism from governments and lawmakers concerned about the cost for European businesses, which are struggling with high energy prices and looming U.S. tariffs. Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent. The Commission has delayed its 2040 climate proposal for months, and has weakened other green laws in recent months to try to calm the political pushback. EU countries are split over the 2040 goal, which they and EU lawmakers must approve. Finland, the Netherlands and Denmark are among those backing a 90% emissions cut. Opponents include Italy and the Czech Republic. Germany has backed a 90% target if countries can use international carbon credits to meet three percentage points of the goal. The Commission is also considering softening requirements for countries to cut emissions in specific sectors - giving them more choice over which industries do the heavy lifting to meet the goal, the diplomats said. The 2040 goal will aim to keep EU countries on track between their 2030 emissions target - which they are nearly on track to meet - and the EU's aim to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
California's Ban on Gas-Powered Cars is Dead
Senate Republicans pull a rarely used lever Senate Republicans last Thursday voted to repeal California's rule banning the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. The 51-44 vote, pushed through using the Congressional Review Act, nullifies a waiver granted under the Clean Air Act — something Congress has never done in the law's 50-year history. California's rule was part of an aggressive plan to shift the auto market toward electric vehicles, and 11 other states had intended to adopt it. Together, those states represent about 40% of U.S. auto sales. The decision marks a major victory for the oil and gas industry and a setback for climate advocates hoping to use state-level policy to push the national market toward cleaner technologies. Democrats cry foul as legal battle begins Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta said the state would sue the Trump administration over what they called an 'unlawful' congressional action. 'This is about our economy, it's about our health, it's about our global competitiveness,' Newsom said. 'It is, Donald Trump, about our national security, and it's about our ability to continue to innovate and outpace competition all across the globe.' California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Governor Gavin Newsom. — Source: Getty Legal experts argue that the Congressional Review Act should not apply to California's waivers, which only affect one state. But Republicans said California's standards essentially dictated national policy, given how many automakers follow them. More votes, more damage to California's climate agenda The Senate also voted to block California rules requiring half of new trucks sold by 2035 to be electric and limiting emissions of nitrogen oxide, a key contributor to smog. All three measures passed the House earlier this year and are expected to be signed into law by President Trump. In response, Senator Alex Padilla of California placed a hold on several EPA nominees and warned of future retaliation. 'All bets will be off' next time Democrats hold a majority, he said. With two Rivian R1S SUVs in the background, a sign reading 'Vehicle Charging only' is seen in front of a charger that is part of the Rivian Adventure Network charging station on May 10, 2025, in Buttonwillow, California. While some automakers, like Ford and Honda, had agreed to California's emission standards, the industry as a whole pushed back against the 2035 mandate. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation said the targets were 'never achievable,' citing infrastructure gaps and market readiness. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan was the lone Democrat to vote with Republicans, pointing to concerns from automakers in her state. A Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck is displayed for sale at a Ford dealership on August 21, 2024, in Glendale, California. — Source:Final thoughts The ruling leaves California scrambling to revise its climate strategy. Officials may look to cut emissions from factories and refineries or increase incentives for EV purchases. They may also consider penalties for gas car usage, such as higher registration fees. But a clause in the Congressional Review Act prevents California from adopting any rule 'substantially the same' as the one just repealed — a potential legal roadblock that could tie the state's hands for years. 'We're going to have to think pretty innovatively,' said Dean Florez of the California Air Resources Board. 'But there will still be a massive hole.'
