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Trump Plans To Rollback Vehicle Emissions Standards, San Diego Congressman Has Another Idea

Traffic on a San Diego freeway is shown in this file photo, Nov. 22, 2011.
Associated Press
Traffic on a San Diego freeway is shown in this file photo, Nov. 22, 2011.
Democratic Rep. Mike Levin, whose district includes northern San Diego County, has introduced legislation to phase out gas-burning vehicles entirely in California by 2040.

California is among states leading the way on efforts to combat climate change. But the state is regularly challenged in those efforts by the Trump Administration. Most recently the president announced plans to rollback vehicle-mileage standards, set during the Obama administration, despite pleas from major automakers that the change will have a negative economic impact on the auto industry.

As in other instances of the Trump Administration announcing plans to lower environmental standards, California leaders have said the state will sue. The California Air Resources Board, which develops programs to protect the public from air pollution, is vowing to stand firm on the state’s tougher emissions standards.

Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Mike Levin, whose district includes northern San Diego County, has introduced legislation to phase out gas-burning vehicles entirely in California by 2040. His proposal was criticized by Republican Bill Wells, the Mayor of El Cajon, who is running for Congress to represent the 50th District.