Capitol Briefs
The California State Capitol building in Sacramento, CA. Image by jsolie
by posted 12.16.2024
Williamson out, Barankin in as Newsom’s COS: In a long-expected move, Dana Williamson stepped down on Monday as Gov. Gavin Newson’s chief of staff. Newsom named longtime political strategist and advisor Nathan Barankin to replace Williamson.
Barankin is a very familiar face in California government, having served as a senior advisor and chief of staff to current U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris both during her time in the U.S. Senate and as California Attorney General. He has also served Newsom in a similar role this year. Barankin previously was president of Oak Tree Strategies, LLC from 2020 to 2024.
Williamson, known for her no-holds-barred style, did not reveal her future plans.
Barankin is married to Newsom Cabinet Secretary Ann Patterson. Both will report directly to the governor.
SCOTUS rejects challenge to CA anti-pollution standards: The Supreme Court of the United States on Monday declined to hear Ohio v. Environmental Protection Agency, an effort by 17 red states to block California’s authority to establish its own vehicle emission rules. The ruling falls in line with a lower court ruling that allowed the Golden State to establish its own rules, which effectively translate to the rest of the nation.
The SCOTUS decision comes days after the high court agreed to hear Diamond Alternative Energy v. Environmental Protection Agency, in which the justices will consider whether fuel producers can legally sue over those regulations.
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