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.