Gasoline Phaseout News – April 2024
California Gasoline Superuser Bill Passes Key Committees with Unanimous Support
On April 15, California AB 2401, a bill that would provide an added EV incentive for qualifying Gasoline Superusers to switch to EVs, passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee with a 15-0 vote, including 4 Republicans, one of whom (Asssemblymember Laurie Davies) signed on as a co-author. On April 22nd, the bill passed out of the Assembly Natural Resources committee, again with unanimous consent.
The Greenlining Institute’s Roman Partida-Lopez testified on behalf of our coalition of environmental, public health and equity organizations in support of the proposed legislation. The bill now advances to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
EVs Begin Reducing Emissions in the Bay Area
A new study finds that vehicle emissions dropped by 2.6% a year from 2018 to 2022 in the San Francisco Bay Area because of EVs replacing gas cars, as determined by a network of 50 pollution sensors. EVs now account for more than a third of new vehicle sales in the Bay Area.
Achieving net zero emissions by 2045 requires California to do better, reducing gasoline use 3.7% a year. Transitioning more Gasoline Superusers to EVs would help achieve this goal.
Washington State to Offer Generous EV Rebate for Super-Commuters
Washington State released guidelines on a new $50 million EV rebate program for which outreach will prioritize super-commuters who drive more than 19,000 miles a year for work.
Under the program, lower-income drivers will receive a $9,000 rebate on leases of new EVs and $5,000 for new EV purchases.
International Network of National, State & Provincial Governments Endorses Superuser Approach
A recent report from the International Zero-Emission Vehicle Alliance calls for focusing EV incentives on Gasoline Superusers – those drivers using the most gasoline.
The report explains: “If these high-fuel-consumption drivers switch to ZEVs at an accelerated rate, road transport emissions would drop more quickly than if all drivers adopted ZEVs at the same rate. This indicates an opportunity to provide incentives targeted toward drivers with high fuel consumption or with funding proportional to gasoline use displaced.”
New EV Charging Features on Google Maps
Google Maps will soon tell drivers about availability and speed of public EV charging nearby in real time, and provide step by step directions to find those chargers. It will also suggest the best charging locations along a trip route, based on the car’s battery level. Google Search’s travel page will also show drivers the locations of hotels with EV charging.
Future Generations Depend on Better Climate Policy
At Coltura, we’re dedicated to safeguarding our planet for future generations. Our focus is on implementing effective climate policies. If Gasoline Superusers switch to EVs, the US could cut more emissions than those from the aviation industry.
Join us and support our work to advocate for equitable policies to accelerate emission reductions for a cleaner planet, while saving drivers money at the same time.
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Coltura Data Tool of the Month: Updated EV Cost Savings Calculator
For people who use a lot of gasoline, in many cases it’s possible to save on total monthly costs by trading in a gas car for an EV. Coltura’s updated EV cost savings calculator lets drivers find out just how much they could save under various scenarios.
Gasoline Disaster of the Month: Pilot in Ottawa Lake, MI
Thousands of gallons of fuel leaked from a gas station’s ruptured fuel line into creek that feeds into Lake Erie. Authorities are warning people to stay away from the creek, and nearby homeowners are having their water tested for contamination.
Culture Corner: Disney’s Autopia Going Electric
Disney announced that Tomorrowland’s Autopia ride in Anaheim, CA will be shifting away from gasoline powered vehicles. The move is part of Disney’s goal of reducing Disneyland’s emissions to net zero.
