California Legislature Passes Historic Clean Transportation Funding Bill -- Increases Chances State Will Meet Air Quality and Climate Targets

PASADENA, CA--(Marketwired - Sep 12, 2013) - On a bipartisan vote, the California State Senate and Assembly yesterday approved a measure that would continue the state's clean vehicle and fuel incentives through 2023. Assembly Bill 8, authored by Assemblymember Henry T. Perea, with Senator Fran Pavley as Principal co-author, would provide more than $2 billion in funding to help fleets and consumers purchase clean and low carbon cars, trucks, buses, and construction equipment. It is now with Governor Jerry Brown for his signature.

"This legislation authored by Assemblyman Perea and Senator Pavley is historic. It represents an unprecedented commitment by the state to help fleets and consumers transition to cleaner and lower carbon fuels and vehicles. If signed by the Governor, this legislation will create tens of thousands of jobs in California's clean transportation tech industry and set us on a course to meet our clean air and climate goals," said CALSTART President and CEO John Boesel.

The programs that would be extended include the AB 118 clean fuel and vehicle programs and the Carl Moyer and AB 923 local air district funds for diesel emission reduction. By extending the programs through 2023, AB 8 would provide more than $2 billion in clean air and transportation funding in California. The bills also dedicate funding, in lieu of regulatory action, to construct the minimum fueling infrastructure necessary to support the impending introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The Senate voted to pass AB 8 on a bipartisan 29-6 vote. The bill went back to the Assembly for concurrence, where it garnered the required a 2/3 majority.

In addition to CALSTART, the other two co-sponsors of the Perea-Pavley bill are the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) and the American Lung Association in California.

About CALSTART
CALSTART is a non-profit organization that works to accelerate the growth of the clean transportation technology industry. CALSTART has more than 150 member companies and manages an array of high-impact programs with its industry and government partners. For more information, visit www.calstart.org.