California releases new plan to expand use of zero-emission-vehicles despite federal pushbacks & lawsuits

California has released a new plan to expand the use of zero-emission-vehicles (ZEV) in the face of federal rollbacks and lawsuits. 

California announced the plan on August 19th, in the face of pushback from the federal government and several lawsuits against them regarding their Clean Truck policies. The plan was launched in response to an Executive Order from Gavin Newsom, directing California to recommend strategies that would make the adoption of clean transportation more affordable. 

The new plan will focus on increasing private investment in ZEVs, replacing federal tax credits for consumers with state-funded tax credits for low-income consumers and small businesses. The plan also focuses on much-needed boosts to EV charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure, including an easier permitting process and a lower cost for charging. The plan will also request that all state agencies with fleets to purchase ZEVs.

The reports also states that California currently has “pending regulation” that would increase EV charging reliability by providing more flexible payment options and charging stations and resolving technical issues that currently exist. 

The report also recommends a statewide indirect source rule, which would target emissions from moving sources that operate out of large facilities like warehouses, ports, airports, and railyards. The state would highly regulate these areas in order to reduce pollution in nearby communities.