Fischer: California’s Radical Environmental Agenda Puts Military Readiness at Risk

At a hearing this week, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) Commander Jacqueline Van Ovost about the national security risks of California’s effort to enact net-zero emissions requirements for locomotives.
Senator Fischer stated that California’s proposal would mean that around 65% of America’s locomotives would be prohibited from operating in the state starting in 2030. In her testimony, General Van Ovost said that DoD relies on the U.S. transportation network, which includes 15 nodes and five ports in California and the only West Coast port for containerized ammunition.
Senator Fischer has opposed efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others to enact unrealistic emissions rules. In March, Senator Fischer called the EPA’s finalized rule for light-duty and medium-duty vehicle emission standards an “attempt to appease climate activists” and instead advocated for practical, market-driven changes.