Testimony: California should restore funding for zero emission vehicle and clean energy programs

Clean energy advocate Steven King testified in the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on the Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation about restoring funding for critical clean energy and zero emission vehicle programs. Read his public comment below:

Steven King | TPIN
3/8/22 Meeting of California's Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation

“I’m urging you to restore the funding for the state’s clean transportation and clean energy programs that are so critical to addressing the climate crisis in California.

The governor’s budget proposal assigned big cuts to clean energy programs, including vital home battery storage incentives, and also zero emission vehicle programs, including programs to help replace dirty diesel truck and bus fleets with clean alternatives. Proposed cuts also threaten our public transit system with collapse at a time when we need alternatives to car dependence.

These programs are critical for the state’s bold climate and clean energy goals. When it comes to climate funding, cutting our response today will only make matters worse tomorrow.

When it comes to climate funding, cutting our response today will only make matters worse tomorrow. Steven King
Clean Energy Advocate, Environment California

Investments in zero emission vehicles are now more crucial than ever. Successful programs like Clean Cars 4 All allow low income Californians to replace some of the state’s most polluting vehicles with clean cars, reducing climate pollution and cleaning the air in parts of the state with the worst air quality.

Recently we’ve felt extreme weather including heat waves, intense rain, and flooding. These impacts will only escalate in the future unless we keep our state’s climate commitment.

I urge you to find other ways to balance the budget that acknowledge the scale of the climate crisis and craft a budget that sets us on a brighter path.

Thank you.”

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Steven King

Clean Energy Advocate, Environment California

Steven leads Environment California’s campaigns to increase clean, renewable energy throughout the Golden State, spearheading efforts to transition away from dangerous fossil fuels and address climate change. Steven lives in Los Angeles where he enjoys spending time outdoors, watching his favorite L.A. sports teams, and playing the trombone.

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