California’s Path to 100% Pollution-Free Cars by 2035
California’s Special Authority to Regulate Car Pollution
For 50 years, California has had the special ability to set its own clean car standards that go above and beyond federal standards to cut pollution from vehicles. The Clean Air Act provides California with this special authority because it suffers with some of the worst air quality in the nation.
The California Air Resources Board’s Advanced Clean Cars Program
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) is responsible for setting tailpipe pollution standards and zero-emission sales targets (ZEV) through the Advanced Clean Cars program. The first program adopted in California has helped address its devastating air quality problems by bringing pollution-free electric EV’s to the state. That program expires in 2025. Now ARB must set new targets for 2026-2035.
States Can Now Adopt the Advanced Clean Cars Program
States now have the opportunity to adopt a common-sense tool to help our state gain access to more - and more affordable - pollution-free, gas-free electric cars. States have a long history of cutting tailpipe pollution by adopting stronger than Federal standards going all the way back to the 70s and the implementation of the Clean Air Act. The next best opportunity to address our pollution problem and oil addiction is here! Everyone deserves the option to free themselves from the pump and breathe clean air. States cannot delay adopting the Advanced Clean Cars program.
Continue to Focus on Frontline Communities
The climate crisis is ravaging California. Frontline communities - low-income communities of color - are hit first and worst by the impacts of climate change: drought, fires, extreme heat and blackouts. Cars and trucks are the number one source of climate warming pollution driving this devastation.
We must ensure that zero emission vehicles get placed in the most-polluted neighborhoods first. Systemic barriers and lack of engagement and outreach means low-income communities of color have not been able to take full advantage of available clean vehicle technologies.
The California Air Resources can do more for environmental justice communities by strengthening the Advanced Clean Fleet standard. A stronger Advanced Clean Fleet standard will clean up big rigs, delivery vans and other diesel vehicles that wreak havoc on public health in what advocates and physicians call “diesel death zones.”