Back in 2018 we noted that global warming was more than hot air; that it would continue to be a significant factor in the regulation of the auto industry and directly affect its offerings. President Trump’s – “global warming is a Chinese hoax” lie was as irrelevant then as now. Consider, that the State of California as just one example, beset by smog, forest fires and mud slides, then and now, continues to reduce emissions through actions and incentives supporting advances in technology. This so far has been sustained by court decisions that it has the right to do so in cases brought against California by automakers complicit in the commission of deeds against the environment.

In another clear signal that the US is back supporting environmental cleanup, at the end of the year California assumed the presidency of the Transportation Decarbonisation Alliance (TDA) taking over its leadership from the Netherlands at COP26. Liane Randolph, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, will become the new TDA chair, assuming the role from the Netherlands Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management Steven van Weyenberg.

Under Governor Newsom, California has made the rapid shift to zero-emission transportation a top priority. The recent $3.9 billion Zero Emission Vehicle package advanced by the Governor in partnership with the Legislature will support the Governor’s Executive Order to ensure 100% ZEV sales for cars and medium trucks by 2035, and a 100% zero emission fleet of heavy-duty trucks and related equipment everywhere feasible by 2045. Virtually all Republicans in California and Nationally led by Senator majority leader Mitch McConnell oppose infrastructure improvements or positive actions on Global Warming. See Mark Ruffalo and Jonathan Scott on Electile Dysfunction the cure for Limp Democracy.