Arizona Lawmaker Calls on Trump EPA to Challenge California’s Climate Policies
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen has taken a bold stand against California’s environmental regulations, urging President Donald Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to intervene and prevent the state from imposing its energy policies on the entire country. In a letter addressed to the EPA, Petersen expressed his concerns about the potential negative impact of California’s stringent rules on Arizona families, citing increased costs, job losses, and limited consumer options as key concerns.
Petersen praised the Trump administration for its efforts to roll back burdensome regulations, particularly highlighting the reversal of the EV mandate as a crucial step toward promoting America’s “Golden Age” of energy. However, he emphasized that California’s environmental waivers and regulations pose a significant threat to other states, including Arizona, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond state lines.
California’s aggressive stance on fossil fuels has not gone unnoticed by Petersen, who pointed out that Arizonans conducting business or making purchases in California could also be adversely affected by the state’s policies. The potential rise in costs and decrease in product availability could have a direct impact on Arizona residents, prompting Petersen to call for immediate action by the EPA to address these concerns.
Legal experts cited by Petersen have raised serious questions about the legality of California’s rules, highlighting potential issues related to state sovereignty and the Congressional Review Act. Petersen urged the EPA to submit California’s rules for congressional evaluation under the Congressional Review Act, suggesting that swift action could lead to the disapproval of waivers and the removal of legal uncertainties surrounding California’s policies.
With an eye toward safeguarding the interests of Arizona and the country as a whole, Petersen called on EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and members of Congress to prioritize and protect America’s energy independence and national security. As he prepares to run for attorney general in Arizona, Petersen has also reached out to the state’s congressional delegation to voice his concerns and seek their support in blocking California’s restrictive environmental measures.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Petersen expressed his optimism about the Trump administration’s efforts to counteract California’s environmental agenda, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between federal and state authorities in upholding the country’s interests. He underscored the need for proactive measures to address the challenges posed by California’s policies, urging policymakers to use the tools available, such as the Congressional Review Act, to counteract extreme regulations that could harm American families.
As the debate over environmental policies continues to unfold, Petersen’s advocacy for Arizona’s interests reflects a broader effort to balance economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship. By engaging with federal agencies and congressional representatives, he aims to ensure that Arizona’s voice is heard in shaping national energy policy and protecting the state’s residents from the potential adverse effects of California’s regulatory framework.
Andrew Mark Miller is a seasoned journalist at Fox News, covering a range of political and environmental issues. Follow him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and reach out with any news tips to AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.
