A coalition of 11 states has recently launched the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition in response to Congress’ illegal attacks on clean air regulations. The coalition aims to expand access to clean cars and counter the federal government’s attempts to raise costs for Americans and hinder the US auto industry’s transition to electric vehicles.
The announcement of this coalition comes at a crucial time, following Congress’ recent vote to rescind clean air rules and send US EV jobs to China. The 11 states involved in this initiative are led by governors who are committed to protecting their residents and advancing the adoption of clean vehicles. Some of the governors in the coalition include Gavin Newsom of California, Jared Polis of Colorado, and Phil Murphy of New Jersey.
Together, these governors represent over 100 million Americans and approximately 30% of the US car market. The coalition is a subset of the US Climate Alliance, a bipartisan group of governors that accounts for 60% of the US economy and 55% of the US population. The US Climate Alliance has previously worked on initiatives for cleaner construction materials, modernized grids, and clean cars.
The Affordable Clean Cars Coalition aligns closely with the section 177 states, which follow California Air Resources Board’s clean air rules. Section 177 of the federal Clean Air Act allows California to set its own emissions rules, which other states can adopt if they follow California’s standards precisely.
The participating states in the coalition will collaborate on various initiatives to make cleaner vehicles more affordable and accessible to all Americans. They will continue to work towards the goals of their clean vehicle programs, defend their authority under the Clean Air Act, and explore opportunities for next-generation standards and programs to reduce vehicle pollution.
Overall, the coalition aims to foster collaboration with stakeholders such as manufacturers, suppliers, and labor unions to develop and implement state transportation solutions. By prioritizing efforts that enhance America’s competitiveness and innovation in the global market, the coalition seeks to drive the adoption of clean cars and low-carbon fuels.
This initiative mirrors past efforts by states to resist federal attempts to weaken environmental regulations. The US Climate Alliance was originally formed in 2017 in response to the US government’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. California, in particular, has been a key player in advocating for clean air regulations and has successfully navigated legal battles to uphold its standards.
As the transition to electric vehicles gains momentum and the importance of clean air becomes more apparent, the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition represents a unified effort by states to advance sustainable transportation solutions. By working together and leveraging their collective influence, these states are poised to drive significant progress in the adoption of clean vehicles across the country.
