Overview
We can reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Plug-in hybrid cars that go 100 miles on a gallon of gas already exist. In 2007, CALPIRG played a key role in passing H.R. 6, which would eliminate tax breaks for Big Oil and shift resources to energy conservation and renewable energy. But that’s only the first step. Congress should tell the auto industry to make vehicles that get at least 40 miles per gallon.
In California, the Air Resources Board should protect and expand California’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Program, which requires car manufacturers to provide an increasing percentage of vehicles that pollute less by burning less oil. We should also provide incentives for consumers to purchase and use cars that burn less oil. CALPIRG supports AB 493 (Ruskin), which will incentivize the purchase of vehicles that burn less oil, disincentivize the vehicles that burn the most oil, and encourage manufacturers to offer more efficient vehicle options to consumers. On March 27th, AB 493 passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee.
CALPIRG also supports policies to save energy, increase efficiency, and increase clean, renewable energy like wind and solar power.
