California AG Bonta criticizes Trump's ties to fossil fuel industry

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has criticized Donald Trump's relationship with the fossil fuel industry, describing it as an "ongoing love letter" and accusing him of failing to enforce antitrust laws. Bonta made these remarks while defending California's climate policies, which he believes are not out of touch with voters' concerns about the cost of living.

Bonta argued that Trump's policies have exacerbated affordability issues, rejecting the notion that clean energy is more expensive. He pointed to costs associated with climate change impacts like wildfires and floods, as well as tariffs and the war in Iran, as drivers of price spikes, including for gasoline.

Regarding California's goal to ban new gas-powered car sales by 2035, Bonta asserted that the state will continue its path, stating, "California is gonna be California." He dismissed concerns about the state's climate policies being at odds with voter sentiment, noting that a POLITICO poll indicated 54 percent of likely voters oppose the ban. However, Xavier Becerra, a leading candidate for governor, expressed belief that the EV goal is still achievable despite voter opposition.

Bonta also addressed a recent antitrust dispute involving Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, where California and 11 other states settled their lawsuit. Although a federal judge has paused the settlement, Bonta indicated that the resolution of that matter does not signify a retreat from taking action against corporations, describing the progressive movement as a "big tent" with diverse policy areas.