The November elections were quite significant for the clean transportation technologies industry. At the national level, a shift in the balance of power made comprehensive federal action on climate change appear even more uncertain. Similarly, an ongoing lack of action at the international level has meant that the eyes of the world are on “sub-national” governments, such as California’s, that are moving ahead on climate change.  

Election results in California were mixed. California voters solidly rejected Proposition 23, which would have suspended the state’s landmark climate change program. 62% of voters cast ballots opposing Proposition 23, in what Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called the “largest public referendum in the history of environmental policy.” CALSTART was actively involved in the effort to defeat Proposition 23, which would have undercut investments in clean and advanced transportation technologies and created a climate of regulatory uncertainty.  

While the defeat of Proposition 23 was a major victory for our industry, California voters did pass one ballot measure that could hinder the state’s efforts to move toward a cleaner energy future. Proposition 26 will make it much harder for California to impose fees on polluting industries, thereby creating problems for both regulatory programs and public investment programs that are funded through these fees. The ultimate impact of Proposition 26 remains to be seen.

While comprehensive climate action at the federal level remains uncertain, there have been several noteworthy developments as of late.  EPA and NHTSA proposed fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emission standards for the nation’s medium and heavy duty truck fleet, calling for significant improvements starting with MY 2014. These standards represent a good first step toward cleaner and more efficient trucks, but more work remains. In the words of CALSTART CEO John Boesel, “ultimately, the truck industry and truck users support stronger regulation and more efficient trucks, but to get there they also need support from a comprehensive policy package that includes both carrots and sticks.”

For more information on CALSTART’s policy initiatives contact Jamie Hall, Policy Director, at 510-307-8774 or jhall@calstart.org

---