SACRAMENTO - The Multi-State ZEV Action Plan is the first promised milestone for the bi-coastal collaboration to pave the way for increasingly large numbers of the cleanest cars in the nation.

Collaboration is critical

The partner states are California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont. Together they comprise about a quarter of the nation’s new car sales.

"Today, we're putting a foot on the pedal to get more clean cars on the road," said Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. "This is real action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

The governors of the 8 states began this latest collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on October 24, 2013. The ultimate goal is to reduce greenhouse gas and smog-causing emissions by transforming the transportation sector over the next 11 years. Since the MOU signing, state regulators, the auto industry and infrastructure developers and other stakeholders have shared information and best practices to help move this groundbreaking effort forward.

ZEVs include plug-in hybrids, battery electric and hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles. To date, manufacturers have rolled out more than 2 dozen models in these categories and they have developed a solid foothold in the automobile market. As of April 2014 there are nearly 200,000 nationwide. Sales have doubled over the past year alone, with more than half of those sales occurring in the MOU signatory states.

Solid and achievable action

The 8-State ZEV Action Plan provides an overview of the current state of the market. It also provides an agenda to accelerate the development of that market.

At the heart of the plan are 11 Key Actions to be taken by all the partners, and the elements needed to successfully complete those actions.

The Key Actions cover three main areas:

Build the market

• Promote the availability and effective marketing of ZEVs
• Encourage private fleets to acquire ZEVs
• Promote planning and investment in ZEV infrastructure
• Increase the number of ZEVs in government vehicle fleets

Provide consistent codes, standards and tracking

• Remove barriers to charging station installation
• Provide clear and uniform signage
• Track and report progress toward the 3.3 million vehicle goal

Improve the experience

• Promote workplace charging
• Provide consumer incentives for the purchase of ZEVs
• Remove barriers to retail sale of electricity as vehicle fuel
• Promote access and compatibility for charging networks

The ZEV action plan also includes steps individual states may take, as well as examples of successful existing state programs to improve the experience of drivers and owners.

Environmental and economic health

Affordable, readily available ultra-clean vehicles are critical to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the impact of climate change, since the transportation sector is one of the nation’s major sources of greenhouse gases.

Creating a growing market for ZEVs also provides a range of economic benefits. Electricity is widely available, and costs less than gasoline or diesel on a per-mile basis. Maintenance costs for a ZEV are also lower over the life of the vehicle.  The push for clean vehicles has also brought investment in new business and jobs which will help put our economy on a more sustainable footing.

The Multi-State ZEV Action Plan is available at: http://bit.ly/1pBhGNU (http://bit.ly/1pBhGNU)

The 8-State Memorandum of Understanding can be found here: http://bit.ly/1k4tAk4 (http://bit.ly/1k4tAk4)
   
Quotes from Governors:

“This plan is a triple ‘win’ for participating states because it brings energy, environmental, and economic benefits,” said Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy.  “Under the blueprint provided in this plan we will continue with our efforts to provide a convenient network of charging stations for Electric Vehicles (EVS), add EVs and fuel cell vehicles to the state’s fleet, and build out the hydrogen infrastructure needed for fuel cell vehicles expected to be available for the 2015 model year.”

“This collaborative effort is an important step forward to ensure the success of our zero-emission vehicle programs. Transitioning our light duty transportation fleet to zero-emission vehicles is essential if we are to achieve our long term air quality and climate goals," said Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley.  "Implementation of the action plan will support the arrival of more than 3 million zero-emission vehicles in our states by 2025 and serve as a roadmap for a healthier, more sustainable transportation sector on both coasts.”

“Today’s plan builds on Massachusetts’ nation-leading efforts to use renewable energy technology to reduce carbon emissions,” said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. “By promoting the use of plug-in vehicles through the Commonwealth's electric vehicle initiative and an array of consumer and fleet incentives, we are able to give motorists choices in the vehicles they drive and cleaner, less expensive fuel to power them.”

"Creating a strong and robust market for zero-emission vehicles is critically important to the success of clean-energy technologies, and I am proud that New York is joining these other states to make that a reality," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "This action plan will help develop the infrastructure and coordinated policies we need in order to put more than three million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025. Here in New York, we will be supporting that effort through the Charge NY initiative by installing 3,000 electric vehicle charging stations - vital to the growth of a completely wired Northeast Corridor - and I am hopeful that more States will join this collaborative effort and help pave the way for the clean transportation options of the future."

“Putting 3.3 million ZEVs on the roads of Oregon and our partner states in the next 11 years requires both collaboration and action,” said Governor John Kitzhaber. “We’ve taken significant steps in Oregon to accelerate EV adoption, including public-private initiatives like the West Coast Electric Highway and the designation of a statewide EV officer. This action plan gives Oregon and other partner states specific next steps to not only build on and expand current efforts, but to see them through.”

“This plan provides concrete steps states can take toward the common goal of reducing our dependence on foreign oil and protecting our environment,” said Governor Lincoln D. Chafee. “Rhode Island will clearly benefit environmentally and economically from development of a successful market for zero-emission vehicles and guaranteeing that our residents can use those vehicles throughout the Northeast.”