California Air Resources Board

To: CARB, CCEC, Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, California Transportation Agency, and Governor Gavin Newsom

Subject: Recommendation for Light-, Medium-, and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) to Clean Our Air

For over 50 years, the federal government and California have worked together to reduce pollution from mobile sources that harm public health. The Clean Air Act of 1970—signed into law by President Richard Nixon—gave California the authority to set more stringent air quality standards, which other states could adopt. Governor Ronald Reagan supported the creation of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to help protect the health and safety of Californians. Despite decades of progress, increased population, goods movement, and climate change are straining our air quality and public health. We must do more.

As Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said:

“Protecting our environment isn’t just about nature—it’s about our kids’ lungs, our parents’ health, and our communities’ future. Clean air means healthier lives.”

With that spirit in mind, I respectfully submit the following recommendations:

1. Increase access to cleaner school and public buses

Support incentives for zero-emission buses and EV charging (or clean alternative fuels) with two-way storage. Prioritize manufacturers who operate in California. As the LA Olympics aims to be zero-emission, this is a critical moment to scale up efforts—schoolchildren and transit riders alike benefit from cleaner air. Backup power should also be installed at essential locations like transit agencies, schools, hospitals, and retirement centers.

2. Expand charging and clean fuel infrastructure

Incentivize installation of EV or fast-fuel charging stations at shopping centers, ports, colleges, houses of worship, amusement parks, multifamily housing, beaches, gas stations, hotels, rest stops, and more. Collaborate with neighboring states. Public anxiety over range and recharging access remains a key barrier. Public education campaigns can also emphasize that clean energy is more affordable and healthier than fossil fuels.

3. Require renewable energy generation and storage in new and majorly renovated large buildings

Work with local governments, colleges, and corporations to require that large developments—data centers, warehouses, retail hubs, public buildings—incorporate solar panels and clean energy storage. Use rooftops and parking structures to support resiliency amid rising temperatures, wildfires, and power shutoffs. Clean fuel access for cars and trucks will be critical to ensuring public safety and continuity.

These recommendations align with long-standing bipartisan values in California: innovation, health, resilience, and economic leadership. We appreciate your leadership and look forward to seeing the next wave of bold, people-centered ZEV actions.