BREAKING: Trudeau says GOP 'interference' holds back 'climate leadership,' and Newsom's California shows 'how to do things'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday, where they are both attending the ninth Summit of the Americas. The press conference focused mainly on the joint efforts of Canada and the state to fight climate change.

Trudeau said that he realized it was necessary to work with partners beside the federal level of government in other countries, and specifically named the Republican Party as a source of interference.

"We've seen it over the years, where a federal government is unwilling or because of logjams in this case, Republican interference, unable to actually move forward on the type of climate leadership that's necessary, state governments and cities step up.

"We had that in Canada as well," said the prime minister, referring to the previous Harper Conservative government that managed to run surpluses during the 2008 financial crisis. "Before my arrival in power, we had a more conservative government that did not think that climate leadership mattered, and therefore our provinces and our cities stepped up big time in carrying the ball."

"Now, we understand that we just have to work with everyone we possibly can, and California's consistant leadership matters not just for the weight of the California economy and population, but it's an example of how to do things."

Local news reports that California is preparing for an energy shortfall in the summer of 2022 to the tune of about 1.3 million homes. Reasons for the projected power outages include "regulatory issues hamperong the solar industry," which causes concerns for an energy industry that focuses on renewable energy resources. The state has moved to shutter nuclear energy plans, despite concerns that Californians will suffer drastic energy decreases during the state's hottest and dryest months.

"State models assume the state will have 1,700 fewer megawatts of power than it needs during the times of highest demand - typically early evening as the sun sets - in the hottest months when air conditioners are in full use," KCRA reports.

A single megawatt supplies enough power for 750-1000 homes, and at its worst, the shortfall could be 5000 megawatts, which would be about 3.5 million homes.

“The only thing we expect is to see new and surprising conditions," said president of the California Public Utilities Commission Alice Reynolds, "and we're trying to be prepared for those."

Trudeau continued to say that governments needed to look "at climate change as a crisis that needs to be responded to, but also a tremendous opportunity that needs to be invested in and drawn on. Not just create good green jobs of the future, but good green careers of the future. That's what we're focused on in Canada, and that's what you're focused on here."

Following Trudeau's statements, Gov. Newsom commended Trudeau and said that the two were "comparing notes" on the similar crises they've faced, and said that the challenges Trudeau faces are "extraordinary."

"But here we are, on the other side of some of the most acute challenges, especially over the last couple of years," he said, saying that the relationship between California and Canada is a "proud" one that will be "excelerated."

"Particularly as it relates to jobs and the economy, I think it was right that the prime minister highlighted that issue in particular," he said.

"Let me just say, what matters is leadership, and you saw leadership at scale, demonstrable leadership at scale when the prime minister had the courage of his convictions and moved efficiently and effectively on the issue of gun safety. And you contrast that and the lack of leadership, the cowards that continue to dominate the national debate when it comes to gun safety policy."

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.