Monitor for actual federal action (DOJ letter, regulatory intervention, lawsuit) that would elevate from noise to substantive federalism conflict. Track whether criticism translates to policy enforcement or remains rhetorical positioning.
A-score: Separation of powers (3) reflects federalism tension over state international engagement and energy policy autonomy. Rule of law (2) captures assertion of federal supremacy. However, mechanism is norm_erosion_only with no actual policy change, executive order, or enforcement action - just criticism. Mechanism modifier 0.6 applied for rhetoric-only. Scope modifier 0.7 for single state. Final A=1.8. B-score: Media-friendly federalism conflict (4), outrage bait for both sides (3), fits pattern of Trump-California conflicts (4). Strategic mismatch high (3) - constitutional framing exceeds actual impact. Intentionality moderate (8/15) for deliberate wedge issue. Final B=18.4. D=-16.6 strongly negative. Classification: A<25 with no mechanism beyond criticism, plus noise indicators (rhetoric without action, single statement, no enforcement) = Noise despite B-score.