California Continues to Lead in Adoption of Electric Vehicles Despite Federal Efforts
SACRAMENTO – While President Trump signed measures intended to halt the enforcement of existing standards from California and other states that limit the pollution from cars and trucks, California announced it won’t waver and instead will double down on its efforts to lead a transition to cleaner, zero-emission vehicles.
Recognizing the state’s unique air quality challenges, Congress specifically gave California the authority to set stronger tailpipe emissions standards when it passed the Clean Air Act more than five decades ago. Congress later gave other states the right to adopt California’s standards.
In response to the measures signed by President Trump, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that reaffirms the state’s commitment to utilizing its authority to transition to clean vehicles. He directed the Air Resources Board to craft next generation clean vehicle regulations and take other steps to continue the clean vehicle transition.
The following is a comment from Victoria Rome, California government affairs director at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):
“California continues to be the leader in the transition to cleaner vehicles. Following Trump’s signing of the illegal CRA resolutions, California immediately responded with a lawsuit and an executive order to defend its authority under the Clean Air Act and commit to continuing to support the transition to cleaner cars.
“This EO follows the announcement of the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition, where California and states around the country have committed to meeting their zero-emission vehicle goals and developing policy pathways to provide access to cleaner, more affordable vehicles for drivers.
“The action by the Trump administration shouldn’t prevent states from meeting their obligation to protect the environment and the health of their citizens, as well as ensure consumers have affordable clean vehicle options. Governor Newsom is standing firm on these commitments.”
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd)