If you’re enjoying this article, you’ll be delighted by our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Every weekday, catch up on the top 5 stories to kickstart your morning in 3 minutes or less. State legislators are preparing to convene a special session in Sacramento on December 2nd to increase funding for legal battles against a potential second Trump administration. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the additional funds will be used to defend California’s climate policies, including the phaseout of gas-powered vehicles, as well as its immigration and reproductive health care agenda.
Why it matters: Trump has made it clear that he intends to target California’s special authority to set the nation’s leading vehicle emissions standards, which would have a devastating impact on the state’s climate goals. His previous actions have also included rolling back national monuments and weakening endangered species regulations in order to increase water deliveries.
Why a special session: While Newsom could technically allocate more funds to the attorney general without a special session, calling for one allows for more time to prepare, garner national media attention, and gain political points for taking a proactive stance against Trump.
The politics in the Legislature: Although state legislative leaders have agreed to the special session, they are also facing a shift towards the center among their members. In the recent election, Republicans gained one Senate seat and two open Assembly seats, and several progressive Democrats who were term-limited or outgoing were replaced by more moderate Democrats.
Support for LAist comes fromBecome a sponsor The cost-of-living factor: While progressive members may be fully committed to resisting Trump, others are more cautious, suggesting that it may divert attention from addressing the cost-of-living issues that have been amplified by the recent rightward swing in the election. These issues include high utility bills and property insurance costs, which are partly a result of the state’s transition to renewable energy and the effects of climate change.
For more information, read the full story in POLITICO’s California Climate newsletter. This article is published in partnership with POLITICO. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, balanced, and easily accessible content that captures the reader’s interest. We strive to present the topic from various perspectives, incorporating up-to-date information and relevant data. Our writing style is engaging and informative, making it irresistible to read.