Trump targets California cap-and-trade, emissions programs

April 10, 2025

President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting California’s cap-and-trade emissions credit program for unlawfully pre-empting federal law and limiting energy production.

California has the nation’s highest gas prices and second-highest energy prices after Hawaii.

Trump’s “Protecting American Energy from State Overreach” executive order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to identify all state laws “burdening” domestic energy resources “that are or may be unconstitutional, preempted by Federal law, or otherwise unenforceable.” The order prioritizes “climate change,” “environmental, social, and governance” initiatives, “environmental justice,” carbon or “greenhouse gas” emissions, and funds to collect carbon penalties or carbon taxes.

The order specifically cites California’s cap-and-trade program, under which the state auctions the right to produce greenhouse gas emissions, as an example of a targeted program.

moar: https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/trump-targets-california-cap-and-trade-emissions-programs