California state employee unions are challenging Governor Gavin Newsom's return-to-office mandate, arguing that forcing thousands of workers back to physical offices violates the California Environmental Quality Act. The unions claim the move will significantly increase vehicle emissions and undermine the state's carbon neutrality goals. Legal representatives for the workers are demanding environmental impact reviews and the exploration of alternatives, such as continued telework or expanded electric vehicle incentives, to mitigate the projected rise in greenhouse gas emissions.
