California’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped by about 2.4% in 2022, a promising sign that the state’s carbon footprint is decreasing even as the economy rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic. This news, announced by the California Air Resources Board, highlights the significant role electric vehicles (EVs) are playing in reducing emissions.

EVs Leading the Charge

More than half of the emissions reductions came from the transportation sector. Californians are buying more electric vehicles and using less gasoline, which is a huge win for the environment. Plus, cargo trucks are increasingly running on crop-based biofuels instead of conventional diesel, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Liane Randolph, the Air Resources Board chair, put it perfectly: “The numbers are clear: our world-leading regulations are reducing emissions, spurring innovation, and bringing us closer to achieving our climate goals.”

A Balancing Act

The level of greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 was the lowest since 2020, a year marked by the pandemic and economic shutdowns. In 2021, emissions rose by about 3.4% due to increased consumerism and economic recovery. But 2022 showed that California can lower carbon emissions while growing the economy.

Steven Cliff, the executive officer of the state Air Resources Board, noted, “We did not see that rebound continue. Thankfully. You know, the policies are working. And in fact, here in ’22 we’re really close to where we were in in 2020 when that really dramatic decrease was observed.”

The Road Ahead

California has made substantial strides in transitioning away from fossil fuels, but there are still questions about whether the state will meet its ambitious climate goals. To hit the 2030 target of reducing its carbon footprint by 40% compared to 1990 levels, Californians need to eliminate an additional 113 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Cliff remains optimistic: “We have a lot of policies on the books that are just starting to be binding, and that is why I would expect to see reductions accelerate over time towards that target.”

EVs Making a Difference

Transportation continues to be the largest source of state emissions, with passenger vehicles contributing 27% of the state’s planet-warming gases. But there’s been tremendous progress with electric vehicle sales.

In 2022, more than 300,000 zero-emission or plug-in hybrid vehicles were sold in California, making up nearly 20% of all light-duty vehicle sales.

The progress is encouraging, with that share of car sales increasing in 2023, when 1 in 4 cars bought in California are zero-emission.

EVXL’s Take

This news is a testament to the power of electric vehicles in reducing emissions. As California continues to lead the way, it’s clear that EVs are a crucial part of the solution. For more on how EVs are transforming the automotive landscape, check out our recent articles on Tesla.

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