Bill Jumpstarts Zero-Emission Vehicles for California Fleets

Sacramento, State Capitol – Today, Senate Bill 498, authored by State Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) passed the California State legislature with bipartisan support.

SB 498 is targeted at increasing the number of EVs and other zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in public and private vehicle fleets. The bill builds on Governor Brown’s 2012 Executive Order that set a target of 1.5 million ZEVs on California’s roads by 2020.

“Fleet owners purchase vehicles frequently and in large volume” said Senator Skinner, “so increasing the number of EVs and other zero-emission vehicles in our public and private sector fleets will help jumpstart the ZEV market for all.”

Brown’s 2012 Executive Order established that 25% of state vehicle purchases be ZEVs by 2020; state fleets are currently on track to meet this target. SB 498 increases that target to 50% by 2025 and directs the Air Resources Board to focus on fleets in their efforts to increase ZEVs.  

“California is working hard to electrify transportation and get many more zero-emission vehicles on our roads,” said Skinner, “SB 498 boosts that effort by increasing ZEVs in our public and private fleets.”

SB 498 is sponsored by NextGen America, a non-profit headed by California businessman and philanthropist Tom Steyer. The bill is also supported by the American Lung Association and a variety of clean technology and environmental advocacy organizations.

"Now more than ever, Californians deserve a state government that looks to the future and leads by example," said NextGen America President Tom Steyer. "For California to become a global leader on climate change, we must reduce pollution from transportation while investing in zero-emissions vehicles and creating good-paying jobs. SB 498 will ensure that we continue to move forward by protecting clean air and water, and expanding job creation in the clean energy economy."

Senate Bill 498 is now headed to the Governor’s desk.