California Gov. Newsom calls for 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035

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California Gov. Newsom calls for 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035

On Wednesday, September 23, California Governor Gavin Newsom took a huge step forward in the electric vehicle (EV) movement by calling for 100% of all new car sales to be zero-emission by 2035! Plug In America has been fighting for EVs for nearly 20 years, dating back to the days when a group of activists were fighting to save the EV1 and other early EVs from the crusher. Not long ago, we were simply pushing for EVs to merely exist as an option for consumers. The fact that the governor is calling for no more new gas cars in California in just 15 years is a major accomplishment.

However, there is still much work to be done. We will remain on the forefront of educating Americans about the many benefits of EVs, from cleaner air to cheaper fuel to a smoother ride. Now in its tenth year, National Drive Electric Week has been one of our most successful efforts, reaching over 100,000 attendees each year.

Our policy team will also continue working to ensure that this goal remains a priority for California and to ensure that other states and the federal government also enact similar measures to advance EV adoption.

Thank you to the tens of thousands of you who have talked to your friends and family about EVs, written and called your legislators, attended or created EV events, donated to Plug In America, and done so much to get more EVs on the road. The future really is electric!

 

Joel Levin, executive director of Plug In America, issued the following statement:

“We are thrilled that Gov. Newsom is taking this decisive action to restrict new car sales to zero-emission vehicles in the next 15 years. California has been a leader in the shift to electric vehicles and this executive order will make the state the first in the nation to require that all new car sales be clean zero-emission vehicles.

“At a time when climate change is having a dramatic impact on Americans’ lives through wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters, it is vital that we reduce our carbon emissions by shifting to clean plug-in vehicles. The actions taken in other countries to promote electric vehicles have shown that smart policies, like Gov. Newsom’s, are crucial to advancing this technology.

“Electric vehicles were developed in the United States and California is home to the world’s largest EV manufacturer. This action will ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in EV technology and manufacturing, creating good jobs for American workers.

“Electric vehicles are good for our environment, good for our economy, and good for consumers. This clearly lays down the marker that the future of transportation is electric. As we prepare to celebrate the 10th annual National Drive Electric Week, we applaud Gov. Newsom for taking this landmark step in the transition to clean electric vehicles.”

Photo: Brighter Every Day by Thomas Hawk is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.

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