The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding California $135 million in grants to support 13 projects aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels by phasing out big rigs powered by diesel.
The funds will be used by state transportation departments, cities, and school districts to purchase 455 zero-emission vehicles, including trucks, school buses, and large vehicles, to replace diesel-powered ones.
Driving the news: This initiative is part of an EPA program distributing a total of $735 million across 70 projects nationwide, with California receiving a significant portion to aid in its clean energy transition efforts.
- The funding originates from the 2022 climate law, officially termed the Inflation Reduction Act, with a budget of nearly $400 billion to expand clean energy sources like wind and solar power to reduce reliance on oil, coal, and natural gas.
What they’re saying: Martha Guzman, EPA’s Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator, said in a statement that the grants will help reduce air pollution, enhance community health, and support the fight against climate change.
Why it matters: The transportation sector, particularly medium- and heavy-duty trucks, contributes a substantial portion of greenhouse gas emissions annually, making the transition to zero-emission vehicles a key target for emission reduction.
- California aims to eliminate fossil fuels from various sectors, with recent rules targeting the phase-out of fossil fuel-powered vehicles and equipment, albeit requiring EPA waivers which Gov. Gavin Newsom has advocated for to ensure compliance with emission standards and zero-emission vehicle mandates.
