AB 1073, California Clean Truck, Bus, and Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment Technology Program
(SACRAMENTO, CA)— Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia’s (D-Coachella) measure to increase clean vehicles and reduce emissions has successfully passed the Assembly and made its way to the Senate.
In addition to our state’s 2030 climate targets, California is currently working to meet health-based air quality standards established by the Federal Clean Air Act. Failure to comply by 2023 jeopardizes our state’s federal transportation funding.
“The grim reality is that our most vulnerable populations, like those in my district are disproportionately affected by pollution,” stated Assemblymember Garcia. “Communities of color and the economically disadvantaged along transportation corridors are left to face the dire health ramifications of poor air quality, such as cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases.”
Nearly 80% of smog forming pollutants in the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley Air Districts come from heavy-duty vehicles, e.g., trucks and buses.
AB 1073, California Clean Truck, Bus, and Off-Road Vehicle and Equipment Technology Program, aims to alleviate a majority of those pollutants by providing incentives for more zero- and near-zero-emission vehicles. Specifically, it would require the state board to allocate no less than 20% of available funding to support the early commercial deployment or existing zero- and near-zero-emission heavy-duty truck technology until January 1, 2023.
“This is the next step for California’s climate leadership. Incentivizing the use of more clean fuel heavy duty trucks for goods movement will significantly reduce a major source of pollution,” exclaimed Assemblymember Garcia. “This measure will help our state achieve our emission reduction, and long term climate goals while working to improve air quality to create a healthier California for future generations to enjoy.”
