SAN DIEGO – Local environmentalists are concerned about just how far the federal government will go in trimming back California environmental protections.
A local nonprofit environmental watchdog group, however, contends the state’s progressive stance toward environmentalism affords a certain amount of built-in protection against environmental protections being rolled back too far.
Nicole Capretz, founder and chief executive officer of Climate Action Campaign, a nonprofit environmental watchdog group seeking to create a zero-carbon future, said that existing protections in San Diego are being threatened. But she added not to worry too much, at least not just yet.
“The Clean Air Act hasn’t been repealed, and breathing standards and emissions caps are still legally valid,” noted Capretz, adding that Congressional and judicial oversight still applies in California.
“Repealing federal rules requires agency action, public notice, and often invites lawsuits, meaning even repealed or weakened protections can be blocked or delayed,” she said.
Capretz added that there are state-specific health-based limits for ozone and other common pollutants like fine particulate matter and nitrogen, and sulfur dioxide. Also, she noted California has auctions for sale of pollution credits, reinvesting those funds back into clean energy and climate-friendly programs.
Plus, Capretz noted, California has its climate laws to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030.
Climate Action Campaign, which Capretz started a decade ago, seeks a carbon-neutral future. That refers to a state where the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is balanced by the amount removed, resulting in no net increase in atmospheric CO2. Achieving this requires a combination of reducing emissions and actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Capretz noted that inflicting federal cuts is more complicated than it appears, pointing out that California has its “own sets of climate and air quality laws.”
She said that means the federal government can’t completely dismantle local action. “We still have the opportunity to make (environmental) progress and be a national leader.”
Nonetheless, Capretz acknowledged the current federal administration’s rollback of some environmental protections has been “a punch to the gut,” impacting California as well as other states. “There’s no getting around that,” she said. “But we still have some laws on the books, and they’re still enforceable.”
As one example, Capretz noted California has “its own robust set of air quality laws and regulations.” And, she pointed out there is a “process” for legally challenging those laws and regulations, which takes time.
“What we’re focusing on now is worst-case scenarios,” she said. “How can we still protect clean air through our vehicle-emission standards?”
Though admitting San Diego’s environmental community feels a “little beat up,” by the current state of affairs, Capretz urged, “Let’s not give up hope. Let’s continue to lead the way.”
She said the United States could learn from China, which she noted has conceded there is no future in remaining a “petrostate,” a country whose economy is heavily reliant on the export of petroleum and natural gas.
“The future is electricity, which China is already embracing,” said Capretz. “China has tripled down on transitioning to a 100% electric economy. They don’t want to be vulnerable to the cycles of the fossil-fuel market.”
As one example, Capretz pointed out that you “don’t find a gas-powered car in China. They’re becoming carbon-free, fully transforming their economy and industry while we’re relying on old, outdated energy sources.”
Capretz argued the United States ought to be going green too, with all its energy needs. “Green is now the least-expensive, most-reliable, the most-resilient form of energy,” she said, adding that it ought to be the “Holy Grail” of energy throughout the world.
Climate Action Campaign
CAC is a nonprofit environmental watchdog group whose mission is to create a zero-carbon future through effective and equitable policy action.
What CAC is doing in 2025: Supporting a historic and unprecedented state legislative package to help lower utility bills and hold utilities accountable, promoting new clean air rules at the San Diego Air Pollution Control District to reduce pollution and improve health, securing commitments from numerous school districts countywide, including San Diego Unified, to transition from gas to electric building appliances – affecting more than 185,000 students – and training the next generation of climate advocates with on-the-ground organizing and advocacy.