Anti ZEV Campaign Backfires in Santa Cruz

Printer-Friendly Version

Four Santa Cruz Supervisors received so many mailings from the anti-ZEV campaign that they passed a pro-ZEV resolution.

Board Chair Fred Keeley of the 5th District, and three other Supervisors became annoyed because they were receiving 2-3 anti ZEV-mailings a week from the California Manufacturers Association. In response, they passed Resolution 367-95, "In Support of the California Air Resources Board Mandate for Zero Emission Vehicles" Mandate". Supervisor Mardi Wormhoudt of the 3rd District motioned to propose the resolution. Supervisors voting for the resolution were 1st District, Janet K. Beautz, 2nd District, Walter J. Symons and 3rd, Mardi Wormhaoudt.

Members of the electric vehicle community are requested to write short letters in support of the Santa Cruz action and fax them to 408/454-3262 (Board of Supervisors fax line). Or telephone 408/454-2200. We need to reward and reinforce the Santa Cruz Supervisors for their courageous and enlightened stand. And encourage other county boards to pass similar resolutions. Wouldn't it be neat if there was a California-wide grassroots pro-ZEV support campaign at the county supervisor level?

The text of the resolution follows:

Before The Board of Supervisors Of the County of Santa Cruz, State of California, Resolution No. 367-95

On the motion of Supervisor Wormhoudt, duly seconded by Supervisor Belgard the following resolution is adopted:

Resolution in Support of the California Air Resources Board Mandate for Zero Emission Vehicles

WHEREAS, every urban area is struggling to meet federal Clean Air Act standards and frequently fails to meet these standards; and

WHEREAS, over 75 percent of air pollution is caused by petroleum burning vehicles; and

WHEREAS, the County of Santa Cruz experiences ozone levels just below the State standard each summer; and

WHEREAS, oil is a finite resource which will be exhausted in 40 years at current levels of consumption and 99 percent of California's transportation is fueled by oil; and

WHEREAS, in an attempt to reduce air pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels, the California Air Resources Board has mandated that the 2 percent of all vehicles sold in California be zero emission vehicles by the year 1998; and

WHEREAS, a concerted effort has been made by the petroleum and auto industry to fight the mandate by disseminating information that is untrue and misleading; and

WHEREAS, California's energy policy--supported and signed by Governor Pete Wilson--clearly states that transportation alternatives, i.e. fuels, vehicle efficiency technology and modes, be "aggressively pursued"; and

WHEREAS, research and development and consequent production of zero emission vehicles will create and already is creating high-tech, high wage jobs needed by the State of California and its people; and

WHEREAS, the State of California has a unique opportunity to lead the nation toward clean transportation technology, reduced air pollution and lowering its dependence on a finite resource, while at the same time capturing the economic opportunities that arise from new technology; and

WHEREAS, increased use of electric vehicles reduces the threat of offshore oil exploration and development, thus providing additional protections to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and encourages the development of non-polluting and renewable energy sources.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors hereby supports and endorses a zero emission mandate and encourages the California Air Resources Board to stand by its 2 percent mandate.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors strongly urges the Governor of the State of California, Pete Wilson, to support the California Air Resources Board in said determination.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Cruz, State of California, this 19th day of September, 1995, by the following vote:

Ayes: SUPERVISORS Beautz, Symons, Wormhoudt and Keeley Noes: SUPERVISORS Belgard Absent: SUPERVISORS None

(signed) Fred Keely, Chair, Board of Supervisors

DISTRIBUTION:

California Air Resources Board
Governor Pete Wilson
Mendocino Country Board of Supervisors
Senator Henry Mello
Assembly Member Bruce McPherson
Assembly Member Peter Frusetta

EVs in the News

Main Menu

dcoale@wdl.lmco.com                   ___o\____
(408) 473-6481 (w)              =)----/()_____()\
(415) 493-4503 (h)