California has long been at the forefront of environmental policy, particularly when it comes to tackling air pollution. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has taken a leading role in establishing and implementing programs aimed at significantly reducing emissions from mobile sources. These mobile sources, encompassing cars, trucks, and other vehicles, are the largest contributors to both criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHG) in the state. In fact, they account for approximately 80% of ozone precursor emissions and about 50% of California’s overall GHG emissions, even when considering the emissions associated with fuel production and distribution.
The urgency of addressing this issue is underscored by California’s persistent struggle with air quality. The state faces some of the most severe air pollution challenges in the United States. Notably, the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley air basins hold the unfortunate distinction of being the only regions in the nation classified as ‘Extreme’ nonattainment areas for the federal ozone standard. These regions also grapple with alarmingly high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, commonly known as soot. This critical situation highlights the absolute necessity for robust and effective emissions reduction strategies.
The California Advanced Clean Cars Program is a cornerstone of the state’s comprehensive strategy to confront these pressing public health and environmental challenges. It is designed to align with both state and federal environmental laws, aiming to drastically reduce the harmful impacts of vehicle emissions. Emissions from vehicle engines have far-reaching detrimental effects on public health, environmental welfare, and the global climate, creating a complex web of interconnected problems.
Reducing one type of emission often has a cascading positive effect, aiding in the reduction of others and lessening the overall severity of their impacts. This interconnectedness is particularly evident in the context of climate change. As the climate warms, controlling ozone pollution becomes increasingly difficult, and the risk of wildfires, a significant source of particulate matter, escalates. By aggressively reducing emissions that contribute to climate change, we can create a positive feedback loop. Efforts to reduce pollutants like oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC) from fuel combustion, which are primary drivers of ozone formation, will simultaneously help stabilize the climate. This, in turn, will mitigate the risks of severe drought and wildfires, and consequently, the associated fine particulate matter pollution. The California Advanced Clean Cars program is therefore not just an environmental regulation; it is a vital investment in the health and future of California.
