Newsom Slams Trump’s Climate Change Denial as “Economic Self-Sabotage” – adn a Return to the 19th Century
SACRAMENTO, CA – California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a scathing rebuke of former President Trump’s continued denial of climate change, labeling it “an abomination” and warning that the U.S. is actively “doubling down on stupid.” Newsom’s comments came following Trump’s address to the United Nations where he dismissed climate change as a “hoax” and “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”
Speaking during a live-streamed conversation with former President Clinton at Climate Week in New York City, Newsom didn’t mince words. “What an embarrassment,” he stated, further emphasizing his point during a discussion with New York Times reporter David Gelles. “You don’t have to believe in science. Believe in your own damn eyes.”
Newsom argued that Trump’s policies represent a dangerous attempt to rewind progress, dismantling clean energy standards and handing a competitive advantage to China in the burgeoning green technology sector. He specifically highlighted California’s role in fostering innovation, stating, “There’s no elon Musk, there’s no Tesla, without California’s regulatory framework. It wouldn’t exist.”
California Leads on EV Infrastructure, But Faces Cost Concerns
The governor pointed to California’s extraordinary investment in electric vehicle infrastructure as evidence of this success, announcing the state now boasts over 200,000 public and shared charging points – surpassing the number of gasoline nozzles. He maintains that California’s economy has benefited from its commitment to green energy.
However, Newsom’s vision isn’t without its critics. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright countered that California’s green energy focus has led to significantly higher electricity bills, disproportionately impacting working-class families. “If you’re blue-collar, you’re working class, that hurts your quality of life,” Wright argued.
Sweeping climate Legislation and ongoing Projects
Despite the criticism, newsom recently signed a package of aspiring climate and environmental bills, including an extension of the state’s landmark cap-and-trade programme through 2045. This program, which limits greenhouse gas emissions and generates billions for climate initiatives, will also allocate $20 billion to the state’s controversial high-speed rail project.
The high-speed rail project, however, continues to draw fire from Washington, with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy labeling it a “boondoggle” and the Trump administration previously attempting to reclaim federal funding allocated to it.
Key Takeaways:
* Sharp Contrast: Newsom’s strong stance sharply contrasts with Trump’s continued denial of climate change and its economic implications.
* California’s Leadership: The Governor positions California as a global leader in environmental policy and green technology innovation.
* Economic Debate: A key point of contention remains the economic impact of green energy policies, particularly on affordability for working-class families.
* Ongoing Projects: California is doubling down on its climate commitments through legislation and large-scale projects like high-speed rail, despite ongoing political and financial hurdles.
Link to LA Times article on Trump’s UN Speech
Link to Newsom’s Colbert Interview
link to LA Times article on Newsom’s Climate Bills
Link to LA Times article on California’s Cap-and-Trade Program
Link to LA Times article on Trump’s attempt to reclaim High-Speed Rail funding
SEO Notes:
* Keywords: Climate change, Gavin Newsom, Donald Trump, California, green energy, electric vehicles, cap-and-trade, high-speed rail, renewable energy, climate policy.
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