California to Reduce Smog, City Buses to be Emission-Free by 2040

Once again Plug It In Solar is excited to talk about our home state of California and its efforts to increase clean energy throughout the state. In late 2018 the California Air and Resources Board (CARB) announced, a first in this nation’s history, a new regulation that all city buses in the state be emission-free by 2040. The new mandate is said to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 19 million metric tons, the equivalent of what 4 million cars produce. Starting in 2029, mass transit agencies are allowed to only purchase fully electric buses to begin the major shift, although some have already begun the switch.

The Change is Already Underway

Today there are about 150 zero-emission buses on the roads of California and an estimated projection estimates that by 2020 there will be some 1,000 buses among the 200 transit agencies within California. The push for clean energy is something that CARB chair Mary D. Nichols is excited about as not only will it provide cleaner air but will also save money in the long run. “A zero-emission public bus fleet means cleaner air for all of us. It dramatically reduces tailpipe pollution from buses…will also reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases, and provides cost savings for transit agencies in the long run.” State transit agencies have about 12,000 buses statewide today and will take about 20 years to make the complete transition.

The Winners

This new regulation will have several winners the first being riders. Majority of California riders that are transit-dependent come from disadvantaged and low-income communities. This shift will provide not only cleaner air but also quieter buses. Smog that is released by the current fleet is said to cause respiratory issues like asthma and heart disease, among other things.

California state overall would be another winner. Transit agencies are expected to save $1.5 billion by 2050 once infrastructure is complete and will provide a new workforce within the state. This will also bring in more opportunities to manufacturing jobs throughout the state as the need for more electric buses rises in the coming years.

As this major shift towards clean energy is well underway throughout our state not only in the transit department but within the residential areas as well, Plug It In Solar is here to help you.

Renewable energy is not just a fad but a step forward into a future of renewable resources that are becoming easily available to homeowners. Our experts can provide you with solar energy information and provide you with a step-by-step plan of converting your home into a sustainable energy home. What do you have to lose? Call us at 818-670-7769 today or contact us info@plugitinsolar.com