Resolution Urging Washington State Adoption of the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Program
WHEREAS the climate crisis requires bold action to reduce carbon emissions[1];
WHEREAS gasoline is the single largest source of carbon emissions in Washington State[2];
WHEREAS the electricity that powers electric vehicles in Washington State is overwhelmingly produced by renewable energy[3];
WHEREAS electric vehicles do not emit carbon or other pollutants nor leak motor oil into waterways;
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];
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 the state of Colorado is close to adopting it as well[6];
WHEREAS the 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[7];
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[8], and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we urge the Washington State Legislature to promptly enact legislation to adopt the ZEV program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution, when adopted, be sent promptly to Governor Inslee and to each of our State Senators and 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/
[4] https://www.forbes.com/sites/constancedouris/2017/10/24/the-bottom-line-on-electric-cars-theyre-cheaper-to-own/#38ebac7a10b6
[6] http://blogs.edf.org/climate411/2019/05/10/colorado-charges-forward-with-zero-emission-vehicle-proposal/
[8] 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.