California leaders are standing firm against federal efforts to roll back the state's clean air policies, following a recent U.S. Senate vote that threatens to undermine decades of environmental progress. Governor Gavin Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and other officials gathered to express their commitment to maintaining California's stringent vehicle emission standards, which they argue are essential for public health and environmental protection.

Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia opened the meeting by emphasizing California's long-standing authority to set its own clean vehicle emission standards, a power rooted in the Clean Air Act. "We will not back down from the fight for clean air," she declared, highlighting the state's unique air quality challenges and its history of innovation in tackling pollution. Garcia pointed out that California's clean car and truck programs have significantly reduced harmful emissions and improved public health, saving billions in healthcare costs.

Dr. John Baums, a member of the California Air Resources Board, reinforced these points, citing studies that link increased electric vehicle adoption to reduced asthma-related emergency room visits. He warned that the Senate's actions could reverse these health benefits, particularly for disadvantaged communities disproportionately affected by air pollution.

Leanne Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board, echoed the urgency of the situation, noting that five of the ten cities with the worst air quality in the nation are in California. She stressed the economic benefits of clean air regulations, which have historically led to significant reductions in pollutants even as the state's population and vehicle use have grown.

Attorney General Bonta announced plans to challenge the Senate's vote in court, asserting that the federal government's actions are unlawful and politically motivated. He emphasized that California's clean vehicle standards are crucial for protecting public health and fostering a green economy. "We won't let this happen," Bonta stated, vowing to defend the state's right to enforce its own emission standards.

As California faces ongoing air quality challenges, state leaders remain resolute in their commitment to environmental protection and public health, signaling a potential legal battle ahead to uphold the state's clean air policies.