California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the formation of an 11-state coalition focused on promoting affordable clean cars. This move comes in response to a recent vote in the U.S. Senate that attempted to revoke California’s authority to set its own clean air standards, which was deemed illegal.
The newly formed Affordable Clean Cars Coalition is led by the U.S. Climate Alliance and aims to facilitate America’s transition to cleaner and more affordable vehicles. It also seeks to support U.S. automotive manufacturers and workers while maintaining states’ rights to enforce their own clean air regulations.
Participating states include California, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. “The federal government and Congress are putting polluters over people and creating needless chaos for consumers and the market,” said Governor Newsom. “But our commitment to safeguarding Americans’ fundamental right to clean air is resolute.”
The coalition plans to collaborate with stakeholders and industry leaders as they consider future steps for clean vehicle programs. The focus will be on providing regulatory certainty while continuing efforts towards a cleaner environment.
Governors from the participating states expressed their collective resolve: “We will continue collaborating as states and leveraging our longstanding authority under the Clean Air Act.” They aim to develop solutions that make cleaner vehicles more accessible by reducing costs, increasing options availability, and expanding charging infrastructure.
The U.S. Climate Alliance consists of 24 governors representing about 60% of the U.S. economy and 55% of its population.
In highlighting California’s climate leadership, it was noted that since 2000 greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 20%, even as the state’s GDP has increased by 78%. Additionally, last year saw California operating on 100% clean electricity for extended periods throughout two-thirds of the year.
