California is implementing a new regulation that requires public buses in the state to be 100 percent zero-emission by 2040.
On Friday, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the Innovation Clean Transit regulation to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, which contributes 40 percent of climate-changing emissions and 80-90 percent of smog-forming pollutants.
California has 200 public transit agencies and their transition to zero-emission buses will help the state meet its air quality and climate goals. CARB estimated that the full implementation of its new regulation will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 million metric tons from 2020 to 2050. It will also reduce around 7,000 tons of nitrogen oxides and 40 tons of particulate matter during the same period.
In a statement, CARB Chairwoman Mary D. Nicholas, said, “A zero-emission public bus fleet means cleaner air for all of us. It dramatically reduces tailpipe pollution from buses in low-income communities and provides multiple benefits especially for transit-dependent riders.”
