PASADENA, CA--(Marketwired - Sep 28, 2013) - Governor Jerry Brown today signed AB 8, a measure that will continue the state's clean vehicle and fuel incentives through 2023. Assembly Bill 8, authored by Assemblymember Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno) and Assemblymember, Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) along with Senator Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), passed on a bipartisan vote, and will provide more than $2 billion in funding to help fleets and consumers purchase clean and low carbon cars, trucks, buses, and construction equipment. This bill represents the largest financial commitment by a state to cleaning up its transportation sector.
"The Governor's signature on AB 8 means California can reduce its emissions, while continuing to partner with the business community to help them meet the State's clean air goals," said Assemblymember Perea. "Supporting emerging advanced transportation technology is a win for California."
"The collaborative effort that culminated in the passage of Assembly Bill 8 affirms that the need for clean transportation, innovation and clean air reaches across party lines and regional borders. California is sending a message that we are committed to being the center for 21st century transportation investment and jobs," said Senator Pavley.
"CALSTART and its 150 clean transportation tech member companies are extremely impressed and appreciative of the policy leadership from Assemblymember Perea and Senator Pavley, as well as Governor Brown. We were proud to have co-sponsored this legislation along with our very capable partners: The American Lung Association in California and the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA). This investment by the state will greatly increase the chances that all Californians will be able to breathe clean air and that we will continue to be a leader in preventing climate change and creating clean transportation tech jobs in California," said John Boesel President and CEO of CALSTART.
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. The bills also dedicate funding, in lieu of regulatory action, to construct the fueling infrastructure necessary to support the impending introduction of zero emission hydrogen fuel cell cars.
More than 100 business, civic, and environmental organizations supported AB 8. Among the other supporters were the California Trucking Association, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the California Farm Bureau. An AB 8 fact sheet is available for download at http://bit.ly/1aOOTP4
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.
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Contact:
Mary Kathryn Campbell
626-744-5602