Governor Newsom's Signature Preserves Funds for State's Transition to Zero-Emission Vehicles and Vehicle Pollution Reduction

SACRAMENTO, October 7, 2023 – Environmental Defense Fund today celebrated Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature of AB 126, which extends to 2035 existing fees on vehicle registration, smog abatement and license plates in order to maintain funding for the state’s Clean Transportation Program, the Air Quality Improvement Program, and the Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program.

Statement from Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California State Director at Environmental Defense Fund.

“This action is a huge boost for climate action and clean air. The vehicles we drive are the largest source of greenhouse gas and other toxic pollutants. By enacting this bill, state investments will more effectively benefit communities most in need and enable all Californians to be part of climate solutions. With over 30 million vehicles on California’s roads today, transitioning to zero-emission vehicles remains a necessary and achievable challenge. We are making progress. Zero-emission vehicles recently reached one in four vehicles sold in California. It’s time to build on this success while accelerating the growth of zero-emission vehicle ownership and ensuring cleaner air in California’s most polluted communities.”