Gasoline Phaseout News – September 2024
California Gasoline Superuser Bill Vetoed Despite Unanimous Legislative Support
Despite unanimous legislative support, California Governor Newsom vetoed AB 2401 on September 22 (see full discussion of the veto here). Though Coltura is disappointed in this decision, the setback strengthens our resolve. The bill’s journey—clearing both chambers with unanimous, bipartisan support—demonstrates significant progress.
Our coalition remains unwavering, with strong backing from Greenlining, UCS, Coalition for Clean Air, ValleyCAN, major utilities, car dealers, and over 30 organizations. This broad support will command the administration’s attention as we continue to advocate for sensible policies to reduce gasoline use more efficiently while supporting the most gasoline-burdened families.
Focusing on Gasoline Superusers is crucial for accelerating EV adoption and reducing emissions. We look forward to working with the Newsom Administration and the California Air Resources Board to expand EV access to low income drivers who use the most gasoline in the oldest, most polluting vehicles and who would benefit the most financially by switching to an EV.
Coltura’s New Report: How Gasoline Costs Swayed Swing Voters in 2020
Coltura’s new report reveals a strong correlation between household gasoline consumption and expenditures and a decreased vote share for Joe Biden in swing counties in the U.S. in 2020.
💡 The analysis offers a key insight: Instead of focusing solely on gas prices which are out of politicians’ control, political leaders may be able to win over cost-sensitive voters by addressing overall fuel expenditures through smart EV policies.
Read about the findings here.
Coltura Data Insight of the Month: A Major Climate Solution for Hawai’i
How do carbon emissions from burning gasoline compare with emissions from other sources?
As featured in our recently published report with the Ulupono Initiative — Power Pivot: Transitioning Hawai‘i Gasoline Superusers to Electric Vehicles — the carbon emissions from Hawai‘i’s 65,000 Gasoline Superusers (drivers in the top 10% for US gasoline consumption) are greater than the emissions from generating electricity for the 367,000 homes on the Island of Oahu.
Targeting the nation’s gasoline Superusers for a transition to electric vehicles offers a powerful opportunity to drastically cut carbon emissions. By focusing on the drivers who consume the most gasoline, we could offset emissions on a scale comparable to powering millions of homes.
Support Our Work: Expanding EV Benefits to Everyone
The scales are tipping: EVs are getting cheaper than gas cars and drivers are saving hundreds of dollars a month by powering their cars with electricity.
However, ensuring everyone has access to these benefits requires the right programs and policies.
At Coltura, we are at the forefront of advancing crucial, bipartisan policies to facilitate this transition. Your support is helping us do this work. By contributing to our efforts, you help us drive the shift to a cleaner, healthier, and more affordable future. Every donation strengthens our ability to advance these vital policies, reduce emissions, and create a healthy planet for generations to come.
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Gas Station of the Month: Atkinson Distributing, Cardiff, ID
An explosion at a gas station in Cardiff, Idaho left two people dead and two more critically injured. The presence of large amounts of fuel at the scene has complicated recovery and investigative efforts. The cause of the explosion is still unknown.
Culture Corner: PepsiCo Drivers ❤️ Their Electric Trucks
PepsiCo’s deployment of Tesla Semi electric trucks is going more smoothly than expected and has even improved driver retention. Truck drivers, who often face tough working conditions, are giving positive feedback on the quieter, smoother electric ride.
With 89 Tesla Semis now in use across California, PepsiCo is finding that electrification is not only good for business but also for keeping drivers on board.
