California Regulators Approve $780 Million to Drive Clean Transportation
EDF statement from Larissa Koehler, Senior Attorney, California Clean Energy
(SAN FRANCISCO, CA – May 31, 2018) California regulators today adopted plans by the state’s three major utilities to accelerate the electrification of light, medium and heavy duty transportation. The California Public Utilities Commission approved $780 million to fund these plans aimed at cleaning up the transportation sector, the state’s biggest source of air pollution.
“Electrifying all forms of transportation is foundational to fighting climate change and, once again, California is out in front. These newly approved plans set the stage for cleaning up the state’s dirtiest sector while ensuring the communities who suffer most from choking exhaust feel the benefits.”
The revised decision adopted today includes key improvements from the original proposal: It preserves an optional dynamic electricity rate that rewards customers who charge their electric cars when clean energy is abundant and helps grid operators more accurately balance supply and demand. This can help California use its renewable resources more efficiently. In addition, it increases the amount of funding allocated for Southern California Edison’s electrification program, which is important for the utility to improve persistent air quality concerns. The increase will also go towards expanding rebate opportunities for charging stations, making them more affordable. Finally, today’s decision removes language indicating that utility ownership of charging stations is anti-competitive.
- Larissa Koehler, Senior Attorney, California Clean Energy
With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
Media Contact
Latest press releases
-
National Academies of Science Report: Evidence that Climate Pollution Harms Human Health, Welfare Is “Beyond Scientific Dispute”
September 17, 2025 -
Court Rules Secret Group That Wrote “Climate Science Report” is Not Exempt from Federal Law
September 17, 2025 -
Insurance Policy Tools Can Turn Post-Disaster Recovery into Resilience: New EDF Report
September 15, 2025 -
California Legislature Passes Critical Bill Setting Stage for Cheaper, Cleaner Power through an Expanded Western Electricity Market
September 13, 2025 -
Lawmakers Vote to Extend Cap and Trade as “Cap and Invest,” Align Emissions Cap with Timeline to Meet State’s Climate Action Goals
September 13, 2025 -
Trump EPA Proposal Would Eliminate Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
September 12, 2025