Resolution Urging WA Adoption of the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Program

WHEREAS the climate crisis requires bold action to reduce carbon emissions¹; and

WHEREAS gasoline is the single largest source of carbon emissions in Washington State²; and

WHEREAS the electricity that powers electric vehicles in Washington State is overwhelmingly produced by renewable energy³; and

WHEREAS electric vehicles do not emit carbon or other pollutants, nor leak motor oil into roads, soils, or waterways, thereby reducing risks to human health, the environment, and the survival of wildlife; and

WHEREAS the cost of electric vehicles is at or in approximate parity with comparable gasoline-powered vehicles on a lifetime cost-of-ownership basis⁴; and

WHEREAS ten states – California, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Vermont – have adopted the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) program⁵ first developed in California, and the state of Colorado is now close to adopting it as well⁶; and

WHEREAS the ZEV program requires that 2.5% of each automaker’s annual vehicle sales in the participating state be electric by 2019, increasing to approximately 8% by 2025⁷; and

WHEREAS the ZEV program has already resulted in a greater availability and variety of electric vehicles, more consumer choice, and lower prices, in the states that have adopted it⁸ – which do not yet include Washington;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we urge the Washington State Legislature to promptly enact legislation to adopt the ZEV program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution, when adopted, be sent promptly to Governor Inslee and to each of our State Senators and Representatives.

Adopted 2019-11-13 by the 32nd Legislative District Democratic Organization

Submitted by Lael White & Dean Fournier;

Previously adopted by LDs 43, 44, 5, and 46.