Good news has come for anyone who enjoys trekking through any of Califronia’s 150+ state parks. On Friday, legislation was passed in California that will require 15.4 percent of cars sold in the state to be at zero or near zero levels of emissions.
The state, which has earned a reputation for its tough environmental policies, will also require cars sold in the state by 2025 to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 34 percent and smog emissions by 78 percent.
Lawmakers have dubbed the legislation “The Advanced Clean Cars Program.”
According to a press release, Erica Morehouse, an analyst with the Environmental Defense Fund, said “[The Advanced Clean Cars Program will] cut dangerous air pollution, create new jobs and drive investments in the fast-growing clean energy economy. Because this program will be done in parallel with national standards, all Americans will reap the many environmental, health and economic benefits this program offers.”
The legislation will cause a slight increase in car prices, said David Clegern, a spokeperson for California’s Air Resource Board. Clegern said consumers can expect an uptick of about $1400-$1900 for the price of a new car but the estimated savings over the life of the car will far outweigh the initial price increase. Clegern estimated that drivers would save an average of $6,000 in reduced fuel costs over the life of their vehicle.
Many of the biggest car manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and Nissan are on board with the legislation.
The legislation is expected to reduce oil consumption by 2.2 million barrels per day. This is nearly half of the United State daily oil consumption.
Logan is a guest blogger who writes about conservation, travel and taking exotic trips via air charter.
