Clean energy industry leaders, auto industry groups and environmental advocates are backing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed $200 million zero-emission vehicle incentive program.Newsom released the proposal last week. It calls for a Budget Act appropriation to provide incentives aimed at first-time buyers of zero-emission vehicles, including electric vehicles.Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Newsom said California has surpassed 2.5 million new zero-emission vehicle sales and is setting clean energy records.“At a moment of escalating federal attacks and rollbacks, Governor Newsom’s leadership on zero-emission vehicle funding is both essential and timely,” said Daniel Barad, Western states policy manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists. “The Governor’s proposal is a crucial bridge to a zero-emission transportation future and will help prevent California from falling behind the rest of the world.”California’s clean transportation goals are intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution statewide. The state also has about 33% of the energy storage capacity it estimates will be needed by 2045 to reach 100% clean electricity.“The Governor’s leadership to provide point-of-sale rebates for new and used electric vehicles will have enormous benefits for Californians,” said Peter Zalzal, distinguished counsel and associate vice president for clean air strategies at the Environmental Defense Fund. “This proposal will make clean cars more affordable, saving families money, cutting harmful pollution, spurring innovation, and supporting the global competitiveness of our auto industry.”Other supporters cited in the release include Mike Murphy of the American EV Jobs Alliance; Brian Maas of the California New Car Dealers Association; Josh D. Boone of Veloz; Matt Petersen of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator; Michael Berube of CALSTART; John Bozzella of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; Bill Magavern of the Coalition for Clean Air; Victoria Rome of the Natural Resources Defense Council; and the California Electric Transportation Coalition.

SALINAS, Calif. —

Clean energy industry leaders, auto industry groups and environmental advocates are backing Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed $200 million zero-emission vehicle incentive program.

Newsom released the proposal last week. It calls for a Budget Act appropriation to provide incentives aimed at first-time buyers of zero-emission vehicles, including electric vehicles.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Newsom said California has surpassed 2.5 million new zero-emission vehicle sales and is setting clean energy records.

“At a moment of escalating federal attacks and rollbacks, Governor Newsom’s leadership on zero-emission vehicle funding is both essential and timely,” said Daniel Barad, Western states policy manager for the Union of Concerned Scientists. “The Governor’s proposal is a crucial bridge to a zero-emission transportation future and will help prevent California from falling behind the rest of the world.”

California’s clean transportation goals are intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution statewide. The state also has about 33% of the energy storage capacity it estimates will be needed by 2045 to reach 100% clean electricity.

“The Governor’s leadership to provide point-of-sale rebates for new and used electric vehicles will have enormous benefits for Californians,” said Peter Zalzal, distinguished counsel and associate vice president for clean air strategies at the Environmental Defense Fund. “This proposal will make clean cars more affordable, saving families money, cutting harmful pollution, spurring innovation, and supporting the global competitiveness of our auto industry.”

Other supporters cited in the release include Mike Murphy of the American EV Jobs Alliance; Brian Maas of the California New Car Dealers Association; Josh D. Boone of Veloz; Matt Petersen of the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator; Michael Berube of CALSTART; John Bozzella of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation; Bill Magavern of the Coalition for Clean Air; Victoria Rome of the Natural Resources Defense Council; and the California Electric Transportation Coalition.