(Sacramento, CA) Please save the electric car!

Written by: Susan Rowe on Mar 16, 2008 6:00 PM EDT

Action Gram

Plug In America!

Written in a message from DFA Member Heather Bernikoff, Catheys Valley (Mariposa Co.)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) will vote on amendments to the Zero Emission Vehicle regulation on March 27, 2008 in Sacramento.

Proposed revisions would allow automakers to delay meaningful EV production for years.  This proposal will profoundly weaken the program again instead of propelling our country toward a pollution-free and petroleum-free future.

Click here to send a message to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Click here to send a message to CARB Chair Mary Nichols.

Please urge Governor Schwarzenegger and Chairwoman Nichols to SAVE THE ELECTRIC CAR!

Heather Bernikoff will be attending a press conference on March 26th at 11am in front of the EPA building in Sacramento.  You are welcome to join her and many others in calling for CARB and the State of California to treat battery electric technology fairly and implement the zero emission vehicle regulations that will BEST address global climate change. 

Travel to the Cal/EPA Headquarters Building

(For more from Heather click Read More)

Dear Friends, Chums and Acquaintances:

For those of you that were outraged by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) decision to eliminate battery electric vehicle technology (as seen in the movie "Who Killed the Electric Car?) in 2004, here is your chance to stand up with us and say, "Not this time".  This IS the big meeting, and CARB staff have recommended to the Board that hydrogen technology, again, be treated with more credits and funding for automakers than battery electric vehicle technology.  What this has lead to in the past is investment in hydrogen technology, which is less efficient, mostly is derived from fossil fuels and, by its proponents, is labeled as "far off" in even small-scale implementation. 

We need a solution NOW.  Battery electric cars have been on the road and continue to serve thousands of drivers daily -- including David* and I.  We need to give automakers an incentive and push to invest in this PROVEN technology. ...

My Best and Fond Regards,

Heather

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(Here is more from Heather)

What battery electric vehicles (BEV) can address:

NATIONAL SECURITY:

Electric fuel is produced in the USA - no movement of or money to conflict-ridden regions with anti-American policies

ENVIRONMENT:

Reduction of greenhouse gasses.  No tail pipe = no exhaust.  US electricity is the only fuel source that keeps getting cleaner.  In Ca, our electricity mix is much cleaner generally due to significant installations of wind, solar, geothermal and hydro power.  No need to drill in wildlife preserves - such as Alaska.  Fueling infrastructure is already EVERYWHERE.

PUBLIC HEALTH:

Reduction in pollutants from million of cars in our communities = cleaner air for us to breathe and less asthma exacerbations.  Remember, each internal combustion car is its own mini powerplant.  We depend on each car owner to maintain their vehicle so it pollutes the least amount.  Does this happen?  How many gross polluters have you been behind?

HUMAN RIGHTS: 

Many oil rich countries have regressive and deadly policies towards women, minorities an their own people in general.  How much of our money goes to implementing these policies?

SOCIAL JUSTICE:

Many impoverished communities are located in urban areas and next to freeways.  Think no idling vehicles and tailpipes.  Also, with investment into this technology the prices for vehicles will decrease.  Electric motors are hugely less complex than internal combustion motors.  Maintenance (not including tires and wipers) can be VERY inexpensive.  In 5.5 years, David and I have paid $400 TOTAL for mechanical failures.

ECONOMIC:

We all know the US' auto companies are losing market share to other competitors.  It was announced earlier this week that Honda just overtook Chrysler on the list of top 5 automakers for example.  These requirements will push them to innovate and compete in a direction the market is going - especially given gas prices.  Plug-in hybrids and battery electric technology are one piece of the sustainable and renewable energy equation this nation needs to move into an economic renaissance.

*David Raboy is Heather's husband

Movie examining death of electric vehicles, with Catheys Valley case, showing at Sundance: http://www.pluginamerica.org/images/MercedSun_27jan06.pdf

Man protests Ford's plan to destroy his electric truck

Ford Relents, Allowing Ranger EV Drivers to Buy Leased Trucks: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/24/automobiles/23ford.html

FORD RANGER EV PROTEST

Carmakers Pull Plug On Electric Vehicles

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Location: Sacramento, CA 95814