Sen. Gonzalez and Assembly Majority Leader Reyes Introduce Legislation to Modernize California’s Clean Transportation Program

February 19, 2021
Sacramento, Calif.– Today, Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) and Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino) introduced legislation to bring the Clean Transportation Program up to date to achieve the state’s new environmental targets. The last iteration of the program was developed nearly a decade ago, rendering fundamental measures and objectives within the program outdated and in grave need of revitalization. SB 726 and AB 1389 would ensure it is updated to reflect clean vehicle technological advancements and to align with current clean air and climate goals. 
 
The modernization of the Clean Transportation Program would chart a path that steers away from reliance on fossil-fuel powered vehicles that emit harmful air pollutants. 
 
“Updating and improving our Clean Transportation Program means standing up for our communities. It means defending our right to breathe clean air and to live healthy lives,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach). “Air pollution is a heavy burden for many residents in my district, causing high rates of respiratory illness such as asthma and other chronic diseases. We need to move forward boldly toward our goals for cleaner air and a cleaner planet with urgency. We must pave the road toward a brighter, healthier, thriving future by making the changes needed to help us succeed today.”   
 
"If we are going to meet the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California we must be proactive in reforming and expanding our state’s clean transportation programs," said Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-San Bernardino). "Transportation emissions make up nearly half of all emissions in California. The pollutants emitted from the transportation sector leave communities like mine with dirty air and public health hazards. Cleaning up the transportation sector is critical to demonstrating that environmental justice and economic development not only can co-exist but are complimentary to each other." 
 
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Senator Gonzalez represents the 33rd Senate District, which includes the City of Long Beach and portions of South Los Angeles and South East Los Angeles including the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Lakewood, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount, Signal Hill, and South Gate. Senator Gonzalez lives in Long Beach with her family.
 
Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes represents the 47th Assembly District, which includes the Cities of Colton, Fontana, Rialto, San Bernardino, as well as the communities of Bloomington, Muscoy, and Grand Terrace.