New Map Shows Major Growth of California’s Clean Transportation Sector

NEWS RELEASE

Contact:
Joaquin McPeek, jmcpeek@edf.org, 916-492-7173

A new map, “Green Roads: Businesses Steering California to a Clean Transportation Future,” released today by Environmental Defense Fund, identifies approximately 300 businesses in over 400 locations across California growing the state’s clean transportation sector. Ranging from alternative fuel producers to electric vehicle manufacturers and investors, these companies are proof that California’s innovative clean transportation policies are contributing to the state’s robust economy.

The Green Roads map also indicates that policies like the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and inclusion of transportation fuels in the state’s cap-and-trade program are working to support the development of clean transportation businesses. These companies are changing the face of transportation, the biggest source of greenhouse gas pollution in California. As the map suggests, it is critical to maintain the state’s pioneering fuel policies in order to spur further growth in the transportation sector and meet California’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.

“It is increasingly important to demonstrate business growth and pollution cuts given the frequent attacks on the state’s innovative transportation fuel policies like cap-and-trade and LCFS. This map is a clear indicator that California is on the right track,” said Emily Reyna, Senior Manager, Partnerships and Alliances, EDF.

Produced in partnership with E2, NRDC, and CALSTART, the Green Roads map and associated database lay out critical data for each business and demonstrate that California’s policies and smart investments are making the state a fertile proving ground for new ideas and clean tech entrepreneurship.

In fact, employment in the clean transportation sector grew over 200% from 2001 to 2011 according to a recent report.

“This map demonstrates that California’s clean transportation technologies industry is large and diverse, with a variety of companies active throughout the state. This ever-growing list provides evidence that smart and stable policies lead to innovation and high-quality job growth in California,” said Jamie Hall, Policy Director, CALSTART.

Green Roads also serves as a broader complement to a company map that was included in EDF’s biodiesel study last year. Together these maps indicate the significant and positive impact that AB 32 and the LCFS are having on California companies, paving the way for economic growth and sustainable development. 

What Others Are Saying about EDF’s Green Roads Map:

• Ricky Hanna, CEO, Electric Vehicles International

“Electric Vehicles International (EVI), formerly headquartered in Mexico, moved our operations to California in 2009 due in part to California’s leading air quality polices, including AB 32 and AB 118,  designed to help deploy zero-emission vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and clean the air for communities throughout the state.”

• Tim Brummels, CEO, Canergy LLC

“This map highlights the magnitude and positive effects that California’s LCFS and cap-and-trade policies are having for businesses like ours all across the state. The opportunities for environmentally safe, ultra-low-carbon renewable transportation fuels for and the economic impact and jobs created for local communities in the state would not be possible without California’s commitment to lowering greenhouse gases.”

• Brittany Applestein Syz, VP Business Development & General Counsel, Oberon Fuels

 “Oberon Fuels continues to benefit from California’s leadership in sustainable solutions for environmental challenges through the State’s incentive programs, policies, and regulations.  California’s support of innovative companies, like Oberon, enables new technologies to come to market.” 

• Mary Solecki, Clean Fuels Program Director, Environmental Entrepreneurs

“This map is evidence that good economic and environmental policies are positively transforming California’s fuel and transportation market, while benefitting our communities and our climate. Green Roads shows a clear trend toward clean, low-carbon business development, a critical component to boosting our economy and inspiring the next generation of environmental entrepreneurs.”

• Simon Mui, Director of California’s Vehicle and Fuels Program, Natural Resources Defense Council

“The Green Roads map shows that hundreds of California businesses are helping reducing our dependence on foreign oil and are at the cutting edge of vehicle technology. This is exactly the kind of innovation that our country needs, and we expect to see further growth in this sector as a result of California’s innovative transportation policies.”

To learn more, visit: edf.org/greentransportation