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Cal Matters (Opinion): Newsom’s $1.5 Billion Investment in Clean Transportation and Jobs is Vital to Economic Recovery

Cal Matters published an AEE’s Amisha Rai's opinion piece with Joel Barton and Bernie Kotlier championing California Governor, Gavin Newsom’s investment in clean transportation. Read excerpts below and the full story here.

With vaccines being rolled out, job creation and economic recovery should now be at the top of the list of our state’s priorities as we consider how to use the budget to address the devastating impact of the pandemic. A century ago, the explosive growth of the automobile industry sparked an economic revolution in the United States. Seemingly overnight, thousands of Americans were put to work making steel, rubber and constructing roads…

Today, we’re on the cusp of a similar revolution as electric cars and trucks sweep the globe, and again, California is positioned to reap the enormous economic and quality of life benefits that this transition will deliver – but only if we support present and future workers in this industry with smart consistent policy and funding that will help it thrive. And, in doing so, put people back to work right away.

Now, with President Joe Biden committed to an all-electric federal fleet and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order to achieve 100% zero-emission new vehicle sales by 2035, there are massive, homegrown market signals moving this job-creating industry forward.

That’s why the governor’s budget calling for a $1.5 billion investment in the clean transportation sector is so well-timed – and why those criticizing the move are missing the mark…

Public investment in clean transportation will add construction jobs building-out charging station infrastructure, especially in low-income communities, communities of color and rural areas – places they are needed most to make electric transportation universal. The state is expanding access to training programs such as the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program so that new and currently certified electricians are prepared for this significant opportunity…

The governor’s call for $1.5 billion in smart and strategic transportation electrification investments gives us a chance to corner the world’s largest growth market. Let’s put California in the driver’s seat and put people back to work in this time of unprecedented economic upheaval.

Read the full story here.

Topics: United In The News