Saturday, September 21, 2013

Governor Brown intends to sign historic clean transportation bill in CA

CA is a proven leader in US on setting government standards for reducing emissions and cleaning the air.  Here, again, they have stepped into the forefront in not only establishing incentives for fleet's to upgrade their trucks, but, in doing so, creating positive economic impact through job creation.  That is a very nice win for their citizens and businesses.  I'm sure we'll see other states adapting these same standards, with incentives, we hope, so the new legislation does not just attack air pollution levels, but also adds financial incentives to help fleets modernize, which is very expensive, as we can attest, but drives job growth as well. Good news:

We found this on a great web site:  Calstart.org.  Calstart does a wonderful job of reporting and pushing positive changes in our nation's transportation and energy independence movements. 

Increases Chances State Will Meet Air Quality and Climate Targets

On a bipartisan vote, the California State Senate and Assembly recently approved a measure that would continue the state's clean vehicle and fuel incentives through 2023. Assembly Bill 8, authored by Assemblymember Henry T. Perea, with Senator Fran Pavley as Principal co-author, would provide more than $2 billion in funding to help fleets and consumers purchase clean and low carbon cars, trucks, buses, and construction equipment. The Senate voted to pass AB 8 on a bipartisan 29-6 vote. The bill went back to the Assembly for concurrence, where it garnered the required a 2/3 majority. It is now with Governor Jerry Brown awaiting his signature.

"This legislation authored by Assemblyman Perea and Senator Pavley is historic. It represents an unprecedented commitment by the state to help fleets and consumers transition to cleaner and lower carbon fuels and vehicles. If signed by the Governor, this legislation will create tens of thousands of jobs in California's clean transportation tech industry and set us on a course to meet our clean air and climate goals," said CALSTART President and CEO John Boesel. 

The programs that would be extended include the AB 118 clean fuel and vehicle programs and the Carl Moyer and AB 923 local air district funds for diesel emission reduction. By extending the programs through 2023, AB 8 would provide more than $2 billion in clean air and transportation funding in California. The bills also dedicate funding, in lieu of regulatory action, to construct the minimum fueling infrastructure necessary to support the impending introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

In addition to CALSTART, the other two co-sponsors of the Perea-Pavley bill are the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) and the American Lung Association in California.


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