Victory: California public buses will be zero-emission by 2040
California has done it again, with more groundbreaking action on public health and the environment.
California has done it again, with more groundbreaking action on public health and the environment.
This time, the state became the nation’s first to commit to a 100 percent zero-emission bus fleet. The decision came on Dec. 14, when the California Air Resources Board (CARB) unanimously approved increasingly strong purchasing standards, ultimately requiring all public transit buses to emit zero carbon and zero lung-damaging pollutants by 2040.
“Every major commitment to electric buses helps bring us closer to the day when clean, electric transportation is the norm rather than the exception,” said CALPIRG Executive Director Emily Rusch. “By committing to all-electric buses, CARB is building on its track record of innovation and environmental stewardship, not only cleaning up California’s air but also setting an example for cities and states around the country to follow.”
The board predicts that, when fully implemented, the plan will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 19 million metric tons by 2050. That’s the equivalent of taking 4 million cars off the road. CALPIRG has worked extensively with our network partners at Environment California to make 100 percent electric buses a reality in California.
Photo Caption: CALPIRG Executive Director (second from left) stand with some of our network advocates in front of a zero-emissions Proterra city bus.
Photo Credit: Ricky Mackie
