California Gov. Gavin Newsom Heads to Washington to Advocate for State Priorities Amid Trump’s Upcoming Presidency

California Governor Gavin Newsom is set to spend part of the week in Washington, D.C., where he will meet with the Biden administration to discuss several critical state priorities. Newsom’s trip, which began on Monday and will conclude on Wednesday, is aimed at securing federal support for various issues, including zero-emission vehicles, disaster relief, and health care policies.

One of the key agenda items is the pursuit of federal approval for California’s climate rules. The state has eight climate rules awaiting waivers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which include measures to require all new cars sold in the state to be zero-emission by 2035, transition away from diesel-powered trains, and update emission standards for pollutants from heavy-duty vehicles.

Newsom is also seeking a $5.2 billion reimbursement for emergency funding used during the COVID-19 pandemic and updates to the state’s Medicaid program. These discussions come at a crucial time, as President-elect Donald Trump has previously targeted many of California’s environmental and progressive policies during his first term in office.

The trip follows Newsom’s call for state lawmakers to convene a special session in December to protect California’s liberal policies ahead of Trump’s return to office in January. This move is part of a broader effort by California Democrats to safeguard their policies against potential challenges from the incoming Trump administration.

Historically, California has won most legal challenges against the Trump administration’s attempts to roll back the state’s environmental and other progressive policies. However, there is concern that Trump’s appointments of over 230 federal judges, including three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, may alter the legal landscape in his favor during his second term.

Newsom’s visit also includes meetings with California’s congressional delegation to align strategies and ensure continued support for the state’s priorities at the federal level. This coordination is seen as essential given the potential for significant policy clashes with the Trump administration).