Adoption of Zero Emissions Vehicles

      Adoption of Zero Emissions Vehicles

      800 800 34th Democrats

      Resolution Urging Washington State Adoption of the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Program

      WHEREAS the climate crisis requires bold action to reduce carbon emissions[1]; and

      WHEREAS gasoline is the single largest source of carbon emissions in Washington State[2]; and

      WHEREAS the electricity that powers electric vehicles in Washington State is overwhelmingly produced by renewable energy[3]; and

      WHEREAS electric vehicles do not emit carbon or other pollutants nor leak motor oil into waterways; and

      WHEREAS the cost of electric vehicles is at or in approximate parity with comparable gasoline-powered vehicles on a lifetime cost-of-ownership basis[4]; and

      WHEREAS ten states–California, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine–have adopted the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) program[5] first developed in California, and Senator Joe Nguyen of the 34th LD is sponsoring ZEV legislation for Washington State; and

      WHEREAS the California’s ZEV program requires that 2.5% of each automaker’s vehicles sold in the state be electric in 2019, rising to approximately 8% by 2025[6]; and

      WHEREAS the ZEV program has already resulted in a greater availability and variety of electric vehicles, more consumer choice, and lower prices, in the states that have adopted it[7],

      NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the 34th District Democratic Organization urges the Washington State Legislature to promptly enact legislation to adopt the ZEV program; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this resolution be sent promptly to Governor Inslee and to our legislative representatives.

      [1] https://www.ipcc.ch/2018/10/08/summary-for-policymakers-of-ipcc-special-report-on-global-warming-of-1-5c-approved-by-governments/

      [2] https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/documents/1802043.pdf

      [3] https://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=WA#tabs-4

      [4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/constancedouris/2017/10/24/the-bottom-line-on-electric-cars-theyre-cheaper-to-own/#38ebac7a10b6

      [5] https://www.c2es.org/document/us-state-clean-vehicle-policies-and-incentives/

      [6] https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/california-and-western-states/what-is-zev

      [7] http://ev-vin.blogspot.com/2016/07/current-lease-offers-for-selected-evs.html

      Originated by Arvia Morris of LD43, Matthew Metz, of Coltura, and edited by Dean Fournier of LD32 and Ann Martin of LD 34.