California Governor Newsom Leads Climate Talks Amid Criticism
Amidst the backdrop of the COP30 global climate conference in Belém, Brazil, California Governor Gavin Newsom emerged as a key American figure, utilizing the event to critique the Trump administration’s absence. The White House, however, responded by highlighting California’s high energy costs.
Newsom’s office released a report on his visit, emphasizing California’s role as a leader in climate action, stating that “climate action and economic growth go hand in hand.” Newsom’s team asserted that while “Donald Trump abandons American climate leadership,” California is advancing its initiatives to encourage global investment in clean energy technologies.
During his trip, Newsom was scheduled for multiple engagements, including delivering remarks as a co-chair of America Is All In and participating in the U.S. Climate Alliance. His itinerary also included a visit to the Amazon rainforest to engage with local community stewards.
In his remarks, Newsom stated, “While Donald Trump is handing the future to China, California is proving that climate action, business growth, supporting workers, and good-paying jobs go hand in hand.” He further criticized the Trump administration for its stance on climate policies, declaring that “California is fighting for a clean-energy future.”
Newsom also presented California’s achievements at the Milken Institute Global Investors Symposium in Sao Paulo, highlighting that the state operated on 100% non-fossil-fuel energy for part of the day on nine out of 10 days this year. He noted that California runs “the fourth-largest economy in the world [on] 67%; two-thirds clean energy.”
Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers pointed to California’s high consumer energy prices and criticized Newsom’s attendance at the summit, questioning the sincerity of his climate commitment. Rogers also mentioned a “special purpose highway” built into the rainforest, which Belem officials denied was constructed for the summit.
Former Washington Governor Jay Inslee, speaking at the conference, addressed the U.S.’s stance on the Paris climate accords, noting that the federal government has stepped back, not the entire country. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, speaking at a separate event in Greece, labeled the climate conference as a “hoax,” criticizing its efficacy in improving human lives.
Original Story at www.foxnews.com