The Californer - Following illegal Senate vote, California and 10 other states launch Affordable Clean Cars Coalition

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~ In a bold move to combat the recent illegal vote in the U.S. Senate, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the state will be joining forces with 10 other states to launch the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition. This coalition, led by the U.S. Climate Alliance, aims to sustain America's transition to cleaner and more affordable cars while also supporting U.S. automotive manufacturers and workers.

The participating states include California, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. These states are coming together in response to yesterday's vote in the Senate which attempted to revoke California's authority to set its own clean air standards.

Governor Newsom expressed his disappointment in the federal government and Congress for prioritizing polluters over people and creating chaos for consumers and the market. However, he reassured that California's commitment to safeguarding Americans' fundamental right to clean air remains resolute.

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"We will continue collaborating as states and leveraging our longstanding authority under the Clean Air Act," said Governor Newsom. "This includes state programs that not only keep communities safe from pollution but also create good-paying jobs, increase consumer choice, and help Americans access cleaner and more affordable cars."

The coalition of governors including Gavin Newsom (CA), Jared Polis (CO), Matt Meyer (DE), Maura Healey (MA), Wes Moore (MD), Phil Murphy (NJ), Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM), Kathy Hochul (NY), Tina Kotek (OR), Dan McKee (RI), and Bob Ferguson (WA) will work together to develop solutions that make cleaner vehicles more accessible and affordable for all Americans.

Their efforts will focus on reducing cost barriers, increasing availability of options, and expanding accessible charging and fueling infrastructure. The coalition also plans to defend their longstanding authority under the Clean Air Act while exploring options for next-generation standards.

The U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 24 governors representing approximately 60% of the U.S. economy and 55% of the U.S. population, will lead this effort.

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California has long been a leader in climate action and Governor Newsom highlighted the state's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while also growing its economy. "Greenhouse gas emissions in California are down 20% since 2000 – even as the state's GDP increased 78% in that same time period," he stated.

Last year, California achieved a major milestone by running on 100% clean electricity for the equivalent of 51 days, with the grid running on clean energy for two out of every three days. The state has also seen a significant increase in battery storage under Governor Newsom's administration.

In addition to joining the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition, Governor Newsom also announced appointments to the Physical Therapy Board of California and a major restoration project at the Salton Sea. He also responded to yesterday's illegal Senate vote by stating that California will fight it in court.

With this new coalition and continued efforts from states like California, it is clear that the fight for cleaner and more affordable cars is far from over. As Governor Newsom said, "We will not back down from our commitment to building a cleaner and healthier future for all."

Filed Under: Government, State

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