Grand Canyon Times

The Trump Administration has decided to take action against environmental regulations set by the State of California, following letters sent by Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen. Earlier this year, Petersen addressed two letters—one to the Acting Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and another to the Arizona Congressional delegation—seeking to end what he describes as California's unconstitutional influence over America's energy policy.

Petersen suggested that the EPA should send previously granted waiver approvals from the Biden administration to Congress for reversal through a legislative mechanism known as the Congressional Review Act. The EPA later announced plans to collaborate with Congress on reversing these waivers.

"I'm grateful that Arizona again has a friend in the White House and the EPA," said President Petersen. "As I communicated previously to our federal officials, our nation's energy policy should be set by President Trump and his administration – not by radical environmentalists in California. Many of the energy and environmental policies from our neighboring state would harm Arizona families by increasing costs, compromising jobs, and limiting consumer choice. I am committed to working with our partners in the federal government – both in the White House and Congress – to safeguard the interests and future of our great state."

During its final month, the Biden administration's EPA granted six waivers allowing California to implement specific environmental rules. These included bans on gasoline-only cars by 2035, gasoline leaf blowers, lawn mowers, bulldozers, and mining trucks. Additionally, earlier waivers were granted for electric car and truck mandates.

Following his Senate confirmation, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated he would forward these rules highlighted by Petersen to Congress for decisive action.