FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

California budget approves unprecedented investment for electric transportation, but misses opportunity to expand equitable investments in frontline communities

Advocates thank state leaders and call for more collaboration to address systemic inequities in funding for transportation programs the lift up disadvantaged communities

Sacramento, Calif.— Governor Newsom just signed a historic budget that includes major investments in zero-emission vehicle programs but fails to equitably distribute funding to clean up air quality in low-income communities and communities of color most burdened by tailpipe pollution. See advocate responses below.

Electric vehicle infrastructure received big investments, including $500 million for electric vehicle charging stations and $415 million for heavy-duty and light duty infrastructure. There were record investments of $865 million for zero emission trucks, school buses and transit buses that will begin to reduce some of the diesel pollution burdens of underserved communities. 

However, despite this year’s historic budget surplus, the budget deal only allocates status-quo funding for California’s oversubscribed equity-focused clean transportation programs that will ensure low-income Californians have the ability to directly participate in the zero emissions transportation future. 

Fifty-five labor, health, business, equity, and climate groups asked legislators to guarantee at least $500 million equity focused clean vehicle programs. Instead, the Legislature only approved $150 million for these programs and promised an additional $250 million for future years but this funding is not guaranteed. The Legislature had the opportunity to follow this “guaranteed” funding model it created for California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which does not prioritize low-income families, that is set to receive an all-time-high, multi-year, $525 million dollar investment.

The Legislature still has an opportunity to prioritize investments in frontline communities by ensuring that at least 50% of charging infrastructure dollars are spent in low-income and disadvantaged communities, and should vote to approve SB 726 (Gonzalez) and AB 1389 (Reyes) accordingly. 

PRESS STATEMENTS

Bahram Fazeli of Communities for a Better Environment made this statement: 

“Frontline communities that have suffered most from adverse health impacts of fossil fuels deserve to benefit first and foremost from direct access to and benefits from transportation electrification and clean mobility options. Leadership needs to step up to prioritize equity, and California should not waste its precious public funds on programs such as CVRP that have been demonstrated to lack equity and cost-effectiveness.”

Bill Magavern of Coalition for Clean Air released this statement:

“We are pleased that substantial funding for zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure was included in today’s budget, because cleaning up transportation is essential to solving our twin crises of air pollution and climate change. In particular, the record investments in clean trucks and buses will reduce the toxic diesel pollution that sickens and kills Californians. But we are disappointed the budget does not include more support for the transportation equity programs that provide clean, reliable mobility to the people who need it the most.”

Roman Partida-Lopez, The Greenlining Institute made this statement:

“The legislature had an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to transportation equity and failed to do so. The clean transportation equity programs provide direct and meaningful  benefits to our most vulnerable communities and once again, this budget demonstrates that our communities are not the priority. Programs like Clean Cars 4 All and the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program have been underfunded for years, even when we’ve seen these programs go dark because of increased demand and participation. This status quo approach of underfunding programs targeted at Californian's most in need but committing large amounts of funds to consumers who don't need financial support to access electric vehicles must change. We look forward to seeing equity in practice, and not just as another talking point.” 

Miles Muller of NRDC, (Natural Resources Defense Council) said:

“This year’s budget includes historic investment for electrifying the dirtiest vehicles on the road and will go a long way towards putting the state on a path to achieving its long-term climate and air quality goals. However, more needs to be done going forward to fund critical equity programs and help underserved communities realize the benefits of clean mobility. Moving forward, the Legislature needs to strengthen the state's commitment to equity to ensure all Californians have access to clean transportation for generations to come.”

Laura Deehan of Environment California said:

"With the heat waves, drought and wildfires reflecting the immediacy of the climate emergency, we are relieved that this budget provides an immediate infusion of EV infrastructure dollars to bring the goal of building a million charging stations closer. With transportation being the state's biggest contributor to carbon emissions, this commitment is necessary to ensure that every consumer has the confidence to charge their electric car on the go. We are also glad that this budget includes resources for school districts to replace polluting diesel buses with clean electric school buses. This means that the youngest Californians will breathe easier while experiencing the simple task of getting to school. The legislature missed an opportunity in this year’s budget to expand this year’s funding for clean car equity programs that help get the dirtiest cars off the road. ” 

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