American Lung Association Applauds the California Air Resources Board Vote to Require 100% Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales by 2035

The California Air Resources Board voted today to approve the Advanced Clean Cars II rules that include a 100% Zero Emission Vehicle sales standard for 2035. This rulemaking package will deliver tens of billions in health benefits and save thousands of California lives by making the air cleaner, while setting a path for other states to opt into the rule.

Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association issued the following statement applauding the rule:

“Today we mark a new milestone for clean, healthy air. California’s zero-emission standard for all new vehicle sales by 2035 is a turning point for clean air and lung health. We celebrate with Californians as this new rule offers new hope for healthier air. 

“The Lung Association’s “Zeroing in on Healthy Air” report noted that California could experience $169 billion in public health benefits – including preventing more than 15,000 premature deaths - by 2050 if a widespread shift to zero-emissions transportation and electric grid were to occur. Key to this assumption was that all new vehicles sold would be zero-emission by 2035 as was approved by California today.

“The American Lung Association supports the widespread and rapid shift to zero-emission transportation as vital to improving lung health and saving lives. Everyone deserves to breathe clean and healthy air, and we call on US EPA and other states to follow this lifesaving policy.”

Everyone in California will benefit from the cleaner air that this rule provides. The American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air 2022 report found that 98% of Californians live in a community impacted by unhealthy ozone and/or particle pollution and that California cities dominate the lists of most-polluted cities in America The American Lung Association won’t rest until everyone in California and all states has clean, healthy air to breathe.