CalEPA Secretary Blumenfeld, CARB Chair Nichols respond to Administrator Wheeler letter criticizing zero-emission vehicle initiative
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On October 1, 2020, CalEPA Secretary Jared Blumenfeld and CARB Chair Nichols responded to the September 28, 2020, letter from U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler to Governor Gavin Newsom.
Administrator Wheeler critiqued the Governor’s Executive Order N-79-20 setting a target of 2035 for 100 percent zero-emission car sales, and 2045 for full transition of all vehicles, both heavy- and light-duty, to zero-emission technologies.
The letter from Secretary Blumenfeld and Chair Nichols explained that the Governor’s Executive Order to transition California’s transportation sector was directed at fighting climate change and protecting public health, especially in heavily polluted communities adjacent to ports, rail yards, distribution centers and highways. It also highlighted the crucial role that science plays in underpinning policy decisions and regulatory actions on clean air and climate in California.