Councilwoman Raman Calls For 100% Zero-Emission Car Sales By 2030

TOLUCA LAKE, CA — In the wake of the harrowing United Nations report declaring a "Code Red" on our planet due to climate change, Councilwoman Nithya Raman has proposed a new resolution calling on California to do more to limit emissions. Under the proposal, California would be pushed to achieve 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2030, similar to other resolutions in cities like Berkeley, Culver City, Hayward, and Oakland.

“We know that gasoline-powered vehicles are unequivocally worsening the climate crisis,” said Councilmember Raman. “In Los Angeles - a City notorious for its reliance on cars - it is imperative that we take immediate action to decrease greenhouse-gas emissions and model leadership in boldly pursuing a sustainable, green economy. Widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles is not only a necessary step to avert climate disaster, it will also reduce pollution, improving LA’s air quality and saving lives.”

Zero-emission vehicles include electric, hydrogen, plug-in hybrids and more. Raman said the amount of zero-emission vehicles in California has increased by over 3000% since 2012.

The resolution also acknowledged California's plan to end the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035, but said more must be done to prevent further climate damage.

"Given the insane escalation of climate-exacerbated flooding and wildfires going on around the world just in the last month, halting the sales of gasoline vehicles tomorrow wouldn't be too soon. If you have lung cancer, you stop smoking. If your planet is dangerously overheating, you stop pouring gasoline on it," added Councilmember Paul Koretz, who seconded the motion. "Asking Governor Newsom to move his goal to phase out the sale of new gas cars from 2035 to 2030 makes perfect sense, particularly since electric vehicles are expected to reach price parity with gas cars in the next two years and then be cheaper going forward."

The full resolution is available here.