Following the President's approval of Congressional resolutions perceived to undermine clean air efforts, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an Executive Order to maintain the state's leadership in addressing air pollution. This move comes as a response to challenges against state authority in protecting residents from harmful air quality.
Mariela Ruacho, Senior Clean Air Manager with the American Lung Association in California, commented on this development: “Californians know the hard-fought history of cleaning our air and the urgency of continuing to lead the way against deadly pollution. Our local and state agencies need all the tools in the toolbox to make healthy air a reality for all Californians, and especially those most vulnerable – our kids, seniors and those living with lung illnesses or in the shadows of polluters’ negligence."
Ruacho emphasized that "The Clean Air Act recognizes that California’s air pollution challenges must be addressed by a range of policies including homegrown strategies to protect public health. That has been the practice for decades and our existing programs paired with the Executive Order today will continue this lifesaving tradition. We all deserve clean air, and we applaud California’s ongoing leadership to continue this critical commitment."
She also urged swift action from Governor Newsom and other leaders: “We call on Governor Newsom and all California leaders to move quickly to enhance our lifesaving programs and reject all efforts, at the federal and state level, to strip tools out of the hands of our clean air agencies.”
The American Lung Association's 2025 "State of the Air" report indicates that nearly 90% of Californians live in areas affected by unhealthy levels of air pollution. Five cities within California are among those most impacted by ozone ("smog") and particulate matter ("soot"), which are linked to serious health issues such as asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, prenatal complications, and premature death.
The California legislature faces several decisions regarding clean air policies. Assembly Bill 914 (R. Garcia, District 50) is set for a vote next year; it proposes a statewide initiative aimed at addressing significant pollution hotspots. Conversely, Senate Bill 34 could hinder local progress by preventing efforts to reduce pollution from Southern California ports known for high ozone levels. Additionally, SB 712 poses a threat by potentially removing key protections under the California Smog Check Program.
