Latest news with #NationalCity
WIRED
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- WIRED
Trump Wants to Kill California's Emissions Standards. Here's What That Means for EVs
Jun 13, 2025 11:00 AM Experts say that disrupting the electrification plans for the US car fleet could lead to long-term pain. Rows of Volkswagen ID Buzz electric buses are parked at a vehicle processing lot at the National City Marine Terminal which is a major port for vehicle imports and exports, particularly for new foreign cars entering the United States on April 26, 2025 in National City, California. Photograph:This week the White House and President Donald Trump attempted to kill, once and for all, California's plan to accelerate the sale of zero-emission cars and trucks in the state. In a ceremony in Washington, DC, on Thursday attended by trucking executives, Trump signed three resolutions passed by Congress aimed at revoking California's nearly 60-year-old power to set its own motor vehicle emissions rules. In doing so, the federal government is taking aim at one of the most ambitious vehicle electrification schemes—and climate policies—in the world: California's goal to ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles in the state by 2035. The state, along with 10 others that have pledged to follow its more aggressive emissions rules, accounts for nearly a third of the US' new car sales each year, giving it enormous power to dictate the country's automotive market. Today, one in four vehicles sold in California are either battery-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. The move won't affect the sorts of cars available in showrooms and on lots today, or even next year, experts say. But the attempt to revoke California's powers, along with a suite of other policies aimed at electric vehicles—including the Environmental Protection Agency's bid to roll back vehicle fuel economy standards; Congress' push to nix EV tax credits; and the Transportation Department's pause on funding for national EV charging infrastructure—could affect car buyers' interest in going electric. In other words: The electric vibes are bad. '[Auto] production decisions are baked in and take years to change,' says Cara Horowitz, the executive director of the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at UCLA School of Law. 'But if there's a feeling among consumers about a loss in [electric vehicle] momentum, that could be felt in the market.' 'This is a big, big headwind,' says Simon Mui, who manages clean vehicle policy advocacy at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). California immediately responded Thursday with a lawsuit. Governor Gavin Newsom also instructed state agencies to find new ways to promote zero-emission vehicles in the state. The resolutions are based on a novel legal theory put forward by Republican lawmakers that they can use congressional power usually applied to federal agency rules to do away with California's 'waiver' authority, which was established in 1967 as part of the landmark Clean Air Act. These waivers give the state a unique power to set its own, stricter vehicle emission standards. 'It's a completely unprecedented approach,' says California Attorney General Rob Bonta in an interview. '[The Trump administration] tries to mainstream these fringe theories, or just these completely legally inappropriate theories, to try to do things that they actually can't do.' Ten other states, including Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington State, joined the lawsuit. The changing shape of the US electric vehicle market seems to have already had some effect on buyers' attitudes towards battery-powered cars. Sales data shows that while Americans are still buying electric, the rate of growth has slowed. Those sentiments, plus changing regulations and tariff policies, have led to "unprecedented" levels of 'havoc' for automakers, according to a report released last week by Bank of America analysts. 'The next four+ years will be the most uncertain and volatile time in product strategy ever,' they wrote. Analysts noted that model years 2026 through 2029 will see automakers release just 159 new US models, at a lower annual average than the 20 years previous. Automakers have generally argued that California's goals are unrealistic given customers' enthusiasm for electric vehicles, and that loosening regulations promote consumer choice. Most have backtracked on once-ambitious plans to convert their lineups to electrics. Ford is 'pivoting' away from some battery-powered vehicle plans in favor of hybrids; Volvo quietly backed away from an 'all-electric by 2030' scheme; Mercedes-Benz kicked down the road a plan to go all-electric by 2030 in some markets, and now maintains it will sell gas-powered cars well into the next decade; GM and Volkswagen have delayed several electric models. In a written statement, John Bozzella, president and CEO of auto industry trade group Alliance for Automotive Innovation, called California's policies 'harmful to auto affordability, to consumer choice, to industry competitiveness and to economic activity.' General Motors in a statement said it 'appreciated' that Trump signed the resolutions, and said it has 'long advocated for one national standard.' Ford spokesperson Robyn Jackson wrote in an email: 'In America, the customer chooses, and we need national emissions standards that not only drive progress but also reflect market realities.' She called, however, for the US to 'preserve tax policies'—including the EV tax credit—'that recognize the future of the global automotive industry is up for grabs.' The Trump administration's moves could reverse years of public investment in cleaner vehicle technology, experts warn. The 2021 infrastructure law and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act triggered an estimated $210 billion investment in the US electric vehicle supply chain, due to pour into vehicle assembly plants, battery factories, and mining operations, many of them in red states. The funding was meant to put the US in a position to compete with Chinese automakers, who have developed cheap and effective EVs that have piqued interest among car buyers around the world. The Trump administration is 'literally killing the demand for the products that these facilities are producing, the demand for the investments that are already in the ground,' says Mui, with NRDC. 'I would characterize it as shooting yourself in the foot.'
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
National City votes to research more data before moving forward with short-term rental ordinance
NATIONAL CITY, CALIF. (FOX 5/KUSI) — After years of problems with illegal activity and the loss of tax revenue, National City is moving toward regulating short-term rentals. A new ordinance was considered at Tuesday night's city council meeting, but it isn't moving forward just yet. National City officials estimate around 200 short-term rentals have gone unregulated in the city. An ordinance was presented to require registration and permitting with the city, a 24/7 contact person for each property and several other rules consistent with other cities throughout San Diego County. However not all council members felt the rules were ready to move forward as presented, citing the need for more details and data. The city acknowledges the biggest issues with short-term rental properties have been noise, parties, parking issues and illegal activity ranging from prostitution to violence. There is also the loss of transient occupancy tax, which is currently 10% in National City, by letting these properties go unregulated. Several councilmembers were outspoken about the need for the ordinance, but ultimately it was decided to put the efforts on hold and required city staff to bring the ordinance back with more specific details. City staff said they will work on trying to bring the ordinance back by the next scheduled city council meeting on June 17, but acknowledged it would be a tight timeline. City council pauses meetings during the month of July, but there was also discussion about bringing the short-term rental ordinance to a community forum this summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
National City fuel station meeting postponed due to concerns raised by California Coastal Commission
NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A controversial fuel transfer station was set to go before the National City planning commission, but in the final hour before the meeting Monday night, the item was pulled from the agenda. 'We already have pollution that is too high level, so whatever things they've approved in the past, they've already exceeded the limit,' Bradley Bang said. National City residents packed the commission meeting ready to rally against a proposed fuel transfer facility, but their efforts were cut short. City staff addressed a last minute, lengthy letter from the coastal commission which included a request to postpone the hearing based on concerns surrounding sea level rise, wetland resources and environmental justice. Local business owner Luisa McCarthy also brought forward letters from the California Air Resources Board she believes were also not disclosed. 'Where it stipulates in bold about how the project will further expose residents to elevated levels of pollution,' McCarthy said. Federal documents on Buona Forchetta ICE raid released The project is planned near Cleveland Avenue and 19th Street at the BNSF rail station. If eventually approved by city council, the facility would run 24/7 with about 70 trucks coming through daily to pick up renewable fuels like diesel and ethanol from trains and then make nearby deliveries. 'It is within half a mile of Kimball Elementary school. It's within less than that of residence and McKinley Apartments that live right there. Residents and an elementary school that have some of the highest rates of asthma throughout San Diego County,' said Jose Franco Garcia, Executive Director for the Environmental Health Coalition. Meantime, members of the Laborers San Diego Local 89 are in support of the fuel station. They have an agreement to work on construction if the project goes through. USD Clean fuels issued a statement saying in part, it is 'confident this project will be beneficial for National City, the greater San Diego area, and California. By bringing clean fuels to an existing railroad site, our project will create a more efficient and sustainable infrastructure in National City and the surrounding region.' The planning commission's next meeting is scheduled for July 21, which is likely the earliest the project will be back on the agenda for full consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Chula Vista investigates collision after pedestrian struck
CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A pedestrian was in critical condition after being hit by a vehicle in Chula Vista Saturday evening. Chula Vista Police were called to the 300 block of Broadway around 9:18 p.m. Saturday for reports of a vehicle and pedestrian collision. Motorcyclists find friend dead on side of Otay Lakes Road after group ride According to the police department, a 48-year-old woman, described only as 'transient,' was struck by a vehicle as she was crossing the street. She was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, and was reported to still be in critical condition as of Sunday evening. Fatal rollover crash on SR-94 backs up traffic in City of San Diego Saturday night Police say the 28-year-old driver, a National City resident, and 21-year-old passenger of the vehicle stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, and that drugs or alcohol are not believed to be a factor at this time. The Chula Vista Police Department Traffic Bureau responded and are investigating the pedestrian collision. Anyone that may have witnessed the collision or has more information is asked to contact the Chula Vista Police Department Traffic Bureau at 619-476-5320. They can also contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or submit a tip at to remain anonymous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
California 'Teacher of the Year' sentenced to 30 years for sexual abuse of students
A former California "Teacher of the Year" was sentenced on Friday to 30 years in prison for sexually abusing two of her sixth-grade students. Jacqueline Ma, 36, pleaded guilty in February to two counts of forcible lewd acts on a child, one count of lewd acts on a child and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material, the San Diego County District Attorney's Office said in a news release. "This defendant violated the trust she had with her students in the most extreme and traumatic way possible and her actions are despicable," District Attorney Summer Stephan said. "Her victims will have to deal with a lifetime of negative effects and her 30-year sentence is appropriate." Ma taught at Lincoln Acres Elementary School in National City and was the former San Diego County "Teacher of the Year" for the 2022-2023 school year. Luxury Real Estate Moguls Hit With New Allegations In Sex Trafficking Case Ma was allowed to address the public before the judge handed down her sentence, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Read On The Fox News App "I abused my authority, I exerted my power and control over them, and I deceived them," Ma said while handcuffed and crying in court. "Boys this age should be playing outside, feeling carefree … I ripped away their childhood." Ma apologized to the victims and their families, calling her crimes selfish and that she had "disgraced the teaching profession." "I lied to their faces while secretly abusing their sons," Ma said. "I just pray for extra protection and strength for all those (affected)." Ma had groomed young boys with "gifts, food and special attention and even completed their homework for them," the district attorney's office said. Ma was arrested in March 2023 after prosecutors said the parents of a 12-year-old boy discovered inappropriate messages on a family tablet between their son and Ma. 205 Arrested In Fbi Child Sex Operation, Patel And Bondi Announce Despite the boy's parents not allowing him to have social media or his own electronics, Ma was able to communicate with him through an unsanctioned after-school program and through a school chat application, the district attorney's office said. Ma groomed the boy for over a year before she sexually assaulted him in her classroom over a period of three months while his parents believed he was participating in an after-school basketball program, prosecutors said. Further investigation into Ma revealed that she had targeted and sexually assaulted a second victim, an 11-year-old boy, in 2020, according to the district attorney's office. "No child deserves what this defendant did and I hope this sentence brings a measure of justice to the victims, their families and the community that was left reeling from this defendant's crimes," Stephan said. Ma must serve the full 30 years before she is eligible for parole, the Union-Tribune article source: California 'Teacher of the Year' sentenced to 30 years for sexual abuse of students
