Governor Newsom’s proposed 2021 budget promises big wins for clean air and staving off the worst impacts of climate change

Its important investments in electric vehicle charging are vital

Environment California

Gov. Gav. Newsom recently proposed $1.5 billion dollars be invested in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The purpose of this commitment is to facilitate his Sept. 23 executive order that required only new EV cars and passenger trucks be sold in California by 2035.

This is great news for clean air and a big step to stave off the worst impacts of climate change. With this budget action the governor is putting California in the driver seat for the EV revolution. 

“With more than 40 percent of California’s global warming pollution coming from transportation and cars representing the biggest percentage of that pollution,  moving us to cars that don’t pollute must be a paramount priority. It’s essential to protect future generations from the worst impacts of climate change.

“In addition, the order focuses on buses, trucks and other off-road freight equipment. California has some of the worst air quality in the country, and these vehicles play a huge role in this problem. This proposal will use money to get vehicles that don’t pollute. This will be a breath of fresh air for all Californians.

“Finally, the governor is rightly calling for funding for Clean Cars for All. Clean Cars for All is a program that works in low income communities to take the dirtiest cars off the road by providing vouchers for public transportation or rebates for EVs. 

“This is only one step in the budget process. It now goes to the full legislature for a vetting by committees and the public. Environment California will watchdog the process and advocate to keep this block of funding in the budget.”