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Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2021-22 budget proposes spending more than $1.5 billion to accelerate electric and other non-fossil fueled vehicles and charging stations, particularly in polluted poor communities. He also plans to direct another $1 billion to reduce wildfire risks in high threat areas—forests and communities.

Newsom’s proposal released Jan. 8 highlights significant exacerbation of climate change as a result of emissions from the transportation sector. It references the unprecedented heat last August-October, with wildfires burning more than 4 million acres.

Of the more than $2.5. billion in spending that must be approved by legislators, $1.37 billion comes from the state’s carbon cap-and-trade program. The emissions control program limits the amount of carbon dioxide released and allows utilities and companies that emit below their allotted share to sell allowances to others who can’t make their targets. Each allowance represents one ton of carbon dioxide pollution.

Zero emissions transportation

About half of the governor’s proposed $1 billion for alternative transportation in spending would come from the cap-and-trade fund to advance the electrification of cars and trucks. It would be used to build out electric charging as well as hydrogen fueling stations. It also would give people in disadvantaged communities money to help purchase zero emission cars and alternative transportation options, such as car and van pool sharing. It also provides funds for zero polluting medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

If approved by lawmakers, another $50 million of General Fund dollars would be directed to new zero emission fueling stations at state buildings.

The proposed spending plan also would expand the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program and the Air Resources Board’s clean mobility programs.

The governor’s proposal was welcomed by a variety of interests, from environmental groups to the electrical workers union.

Coalition for Clean Air Policy Director Bill Magavern applauded Newsom for putting his money where his mouth is. The governor is “rightfully prioritizing clean mobility and clean air for the Californians most vulnerable to pollution, poverty and the pandemic.”

The Greenlining Institute also welcomed funding equitable transportation. There is a great need for clean vehicle technology, Alvaro Sanchez, Greenlining environment and equity director, said. He noted that there are some very innovative Air Resource Board programs focused on disadvantaged communities.

“This investment will create good, family-supporting jobs and help California develop the transportation system of the future,” added John O’Rourke, IBEW International vice president.

Wildfire reduction

A little more than half of the $1 billion fire mitigation budget would be used to thin forests, replant trees and conduct prescribed burns.

In addition, $321 million would go to CalFire and the California Conservation Corps to reduce immediate fire dangers, including in high threat communities.

Of the $1 billion for wildfire mitigation, $675 million is one-time General Fund money and $325 million cap & trade funding, H.D. Palmer, Department of Finance spokesperson, told Current.

Regarding the latter, $200 million in cap-and-trade funds would be used to reduce wildfire threats as required by SB 901 passed in 2018. Of that amount, $125 million is for fire mitigation launched last year, before the 2020 cap-and-trade expenditures were approved.

Low-income advocates objected to using cap-and trade funds for wildfire prevention, although it’s required by state statute.

“The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund is meant to cut pollution and greenhouse gases in our most impacted communities,” Greenlining Institute President and CEO Debvra Gore-Mann said. “Funding for wildfires should come from the utilities whose recklessness led to so many problems, so that we can maximize funds needed to fight pollution and build resilience in low-income communities of color.”

The Nature Conservancy welcomed the wildfire threat reduction funding to protect lives. California fires, “have killed 134 people, destroyed 44,000 structures and polluted the air across our state over the last four years, and California continues to face an unprecedented risk of megafires exacerbated by a changing climate,” Jay Ziegler, Nature Conservancy of California spokesperson, stated.

The upcoming budget plan would add $143 million from the General Fund to support 30 new fire crews and includes $48 million for the purchase of Black Hawk helicopters and large air tankers.