California Executive Order Drives Forward Clean Air, Cost Savings, Job Creation, Innovation

“California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an Executive Order today that will drive the state down the path to cleaner air and healthier communities through cost-saving measures that strengthen the Golden State’s innovation and job creation.

“Governor Newsom’s leadership in response to the federal government’s reckless and improper attack on the state’s clean air standards protects Californians’ fundamental right to breathe clean air and continues the hard-fought progress that has been made to clean it up. Tailpipe emissions are the single largest source of pollution in California. They cause dangerous soot and smog and fuel floods, fires, heat waves and other extreme weather. Governor Newsom’s plan of action will advance clean affordable solutions that keep California in the driver’s seat for protecting people’s health and safety. 

“California’s innovation in addressing air pollution and climate change while growing to the world’s fourth-largest economy demonstrates that protecting public health goes hand-in-hand with economic growth. In fact, 56 zero emission vehicle and ZEV-related manufacturers are operating in California and recent analysis demonstrates how clean solutions will be an important continued driver of job growth in California.  

“By moving forward immediately with new emission standards, new procurement standards, and new solutions, while taking crucial legal action to protect California's current clean air standards, California’s proven innovation will mean cleaner air, lower costs and global competitiveness now and for years to come. Environmental Defense Fund applauds the Governor’s leadership and stands with California in protecting the right to clean air, a safe climate and healthier communities for the more than 39 million people across the Golden State.”

            - Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California State Director, Environmental Defense Fund