News Briefs | 09.12.16

Governor Signs Historic Climate Change Laws

Ten years after California adopted the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law two new climate change bills that establish the most ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in North America. SB 32, authored by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), and AB 197, authored by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), require the state to cut emissions at least 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and invest in the communities that suffer most from climate change.

State Sen. Ricardo Lara and Coalition President Thomas Lawson at the SB 32 signing ceremony
State Sen. Ricardo Lara and Coalition President Thomas Lawson at the SB 32 signing ceremony

“Climate change is real, and knowing that, California is taking action,” said Gov. Brown in a statement. “SB 32 and AB 197 are far-reaching moves that continue California on its path of vast innovation and environmental resilience.”

Brown signed the legislation in Vista Hermosa Natural Park, a 10-acre urban wilderness recently built at the busy western edge of downtown Los Angeles. Coalition President Thomas Lawson attended the invitation-only ceremony, where Pavley, who is getting termed out, passed the torch to Garcia as the next leader on climate change.

“It was good to hear the emphasis on how climate change action should benefit the communities of color, low-income Californians, and others that are most harmed by air pollution,” said Lawson.

State Commits $150 Million to Heavy-Duty Vehicles in Cap-and-Trade Spending Deal

On the last day of the 2016 legislative session, state lawmakers and Governor Brown struck a deal to spend $900 million in unallocated cap-and-trade auction proceeds from the 2016–17 fiscal year and reserve $462 million for future appropriations. Shortly after the deal was announced, the Legislature passed AB 1613, the budget bill containing the deal’s provisions.

CARB will receive $368 million, including $150 million for heavy-duty vehicles and investment in off-road equipment. CARB’s budget also allocates $133 million to the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project and $80 million to the Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program.

Environmental Justice Bill Fails

The Legislature rejected a bill that would have added three state-appointed environmental justice members to the South Coast Air Quality Management District board. AB 1387, which aimed to improve representation for Southern California’s low-income, heavily polluted communities, fell 11 votes short in the Assembly. In June, the Republican-led SCAQMD board voted to oppose the legislation.

White Paper Details Safe Operation of NGVs in Waste Sector

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and NGehicleVAmerica have published “Natural Gas—A Clean, Safe and Smart Choice for the Waste and Recycling Industry,” a guide to safely operating and maintaining natural gas collection and transfer vehicles, as well as refueling equipment. The white paper is part of SWANA’s effort to improve safety in the waste collection industry generally.

Peterbilt Motors to Offer ISL G Near Zero NOx Engines for Medium-Duty Trucks

Peterbilt will offer the Cummins Westport ISL G Near Zero NOx natural gas engine in two more trucks. In addition to the Model 520 refuse truck, the Model 320 refuse truck will be available by the end of this year and the Model 567 vocational truck will be available early next year.

Volkswagen Buys Minority Stake in American Truck Manufacturer

In a bid to increase access to the North American commercial vehicle market, Volkswagen has acquired a 16.6 percent stake in Navistar International Corp. The $256 million deal makes the automaker one of the biggest shareholders in the medium- and heavy-duty truck manufacturer, which was facing possible bankruptcy. Navistar called the deal an “alliance” between the two companies in its press release, and is counting on a procurement agreement with Volkswagen to cut costs. The companies will collaborate on developing new engine technologies that can meet increasingly tough environmental standards.

The deal comes in the wake of Volkswagen’s diesel emissions scandal, in which it got caught rigging vehicles with an emissions-testing cheat device. Days before announcement of the acquisition, a federal judge approved Volkswagen’s agreement to pay California $86 million. The car maker has also agreed to pay almost $15 billion in settlements with vehicle owners and the U.S. government.