From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
A California bill (SB 301) creating a financial rebate program for converting gas- and diesel-powered vehicles into zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) has passed the legislature and now awaits final approval or veto from Governor Gavin Newsom. California has multiple programs to promote the purchase of new ZEVs, but none assist with converting gas-powered vehicles to ZEVs. SB 301 would level the playing field, making it more affordable for Californians to convert their existing vehicles to ZEVs.
The bill is authored by California Senator Anthony Portantino and sponsored by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). It would offer Californians up to $4,000 to convert their gas- or diesel-powered vehicle into a ZEV, allowing the Golden State to support small businesses and maintain its rich car culture while assisting consumers who want to convert their vehicles to cleaner motors. Click here to send a letter to Governor Newsom urging him to sign SB 301 into law.
"Governor Newsom has the opportunity to create new jobs and support small businesses by signing SB 301 into law," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. "This bill will also help California reduce emissions and make zero-emissions vehicle conversions more accessible to all residents. SEMA urges the Governor to recognize the tremendous benefits SB 301 brings to the Golden State and sign it into law."
SB 301 has the backing of business and environmental groups. The California Manufacturing and Technology Association (CMTA), the Los Angeles Business Federation (LA BizFed), the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, BREATHE California and CALSTART have all endorsed the bill. The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) has also labeled SB 301 a "job creator."
For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.