Take a stand for clean air!
California can only improve its air quality by transforming the vehicles we drive. Cars, trucks and other vehicles are responsible for most of the air pollution in the state. Reducing emissions from California’s vehicles is a daunting challenge. However, thanks to California’s climate program, we have a golden opportunity to take bold action against air pollution.
Recently, leading Senators introduced The Clean Transportation Action Plan. This plan would invest roughly $1 billion in carbon auction revenues in effective, smart strategies that will reduce air pollution and improve the lives of all Californians. As a strong supporter of the Clean Transportation Action Plan, The Coalition for Clean Air is calling for:
- $275 million for electric vehicle incentives, nearly half of which would be reserved for disadvantaged communities and low-income families. Valley Clean Air Now’s (ValleyCAN) success shows incentives, coupled with community outreach, are an effective way to repair and even replace old, dirty cars with clean plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.
- $500 million for supporting and deploying clean trucks, buses and freight-moving equipment. Big rigs and other heavy-duty diesel vehicles are the largest contributors to smog. According to Senator Lara, diesel trucks and buses comprise just 3% of all vehicles in California but are responsible for 23% of all transportation-related emissions.
- $350 million for incentives for cleaner vehicles and equipment to improve air quality in the neighborhoods most burdened by toxic diesel exhaust. Diesel exhaust contains hundreds of chemicals that can impact health, including a number of cancer-causing substances.
Take action!
Your voice is crucial in making this vision for California’s roads a reality. Contact your State Assembly Member and State Senator by mail, phone, email and/or social media and ask them to support the Senate Clean Transportation Action Plan. If you are unsure who your state legislators are, you can find them using this helpful tool. The members below are crucial to this proposal becoming law; so if you are their constituent, speak up today!
- Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood, Hawaiian Gardens, North Long Beach, Paramount, Lynwood, Southgate, Cudahy, Bell and Maywood)
- Phil Ting (D-Western San Francisco, Daly City and Colma)
- Richard Bloom (D-Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica and western portions of Los Angeles)
