California Governor vetoes Zero-Emission Aftermarket Conversion Project

18 June 2024

California Governor Newsom has vetoed California’s Senate Bill (SB) 301, which would establish the Zero-emission Aftermarket Conversion Project (ZACP) under the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The bill would require CARB to establish the ZACP project that would provide rebates of up to $4,000 to California residents undertaking the conversion of eligible gasoline and diesel cars into zero emission vehicles (ZEV).

The bill was passed unanimously by both the state’s Assembly and the Senate, but vetoed by the Governor due to a lack of funding.

In his letter explaining the veto decision, Governor Newsom said: “While I share the author’s desire to further accelerate the state’s transition to ZEVs, this bill creates a new program at a time when the state faces a $44.9 billion shortfall for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Additionally, there is no funding currently identified or available in the state budget to support this new program.”

The veto decision has been criticized by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). “This setback hinders the rollout of a program that bolsters cleaner air, reduces carbon emissions, and fuels job growth and economic prosperity statewide,” the group said in a statement.

Source: California Governor