COALITION LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO BRING ELECTRIC REFUSE TRUCKS TO LOS ANGELES
LA County Electric Truck & Bus Coalition Calls on SoCal Cities to Electrify Refuse Trucks by 2035
Los Angeles, CA—The LA County Electric Truck & Bus Coalition is launching a new campaign to bring 100% zero-emission refuse trucks to Los Angeles. The coalition is building off earlier successes advocating for electric buses to accelerate the electrification of another critical fleet: refuse trucks.
The coalition is focusing its efforts on refuse trucks because the refuse truck fleets currently in operation are dangerously outdated. Powered by dirty fossil fuels like diesel and natural gas, these refuse trucks are largest and most polluting vehicles in many neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County. Given the immense air and noise pollution that these refuse trucks generate, they are amongst the most important vehicles to clean up for the health and welfare of our neighborhoods.
“As Southern California finds itself amid air quality and climate crises, struggling with some of the dirtiest air in the nation, only zero-emission technologies will allow us to reach our clean air and climate goals,” said Carlo De La Cruz, Senior Campaign Representative of Sierra Club’s My Generation Campaign. “With zero tailpipe emissions, electric refuse trucks can clean up our air and prevent further harm to our climate. Beyond their environmental and health benefits, electric refuse trucks are good business for the Los Angeles region.”
Earlier this week, the coalition kicked off its campaign by submitting letters to three cities in LA County: Culver City, Los Angeles, and Santa Monica. In these letters, the coalition urges city leaders to commit to 100% zero-emission refuse trucks in its city-owned and operated fleet by 2035.
“The Los Angeles region has always been an environmental leader, pushing innovation and early adoption of vital clean vehicle technologies,” said Yasmine Agelidis, an Associate Attorney at Earthjustice. “Our coalition is calling on cities in Los Angeles County to lead again by adopting a goal and plan to achieve a 100% zero-emission municipal refuse truck fleet by 2035. Our City leaders have the opportunity to demonstrate their climate and clean air leadership by removing polluting fossil-fueled refuse trucks off our roads and bringing electric refuse trucks and clean air into our communities.”
Last night, the coalition unveiled its new campaign at the 33rd Annual Electrical Industry’s BBQ and Open House, hosted by the LA chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union # 11. The event brought together labor groups, environmental advocates and frontline communities all united in their shared vision for 100% zero-emissions refuse trucks in Los Angeles County.
“For the first time in history, we have the ability to drive our modern world forward with zero-emission battery-electric refuse trucks,” said Hector Huezo, Senior Workforce Equity Coordinator at Jobs to Move America. “The Los Angeles region can make a huge impact in accelerating US adoption and supporting a sustainable electric refuse truck marketplace. When the health benefits of these zero-emission trucks are combined with good jobs standards for those making trucks and installing charging infrastructure, we can create not only a cleaner and quieter community, but further prosperity for those who need it most.”
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The Los Angeles County Electric Truck & Bus Coalition is dedicated to improving the lives of all Angelenos by advocating that Los Angeles electrify 100% of its bus and truck fleets. The coalition advances policies that accelerate fleet electrification, while creating equitable economic growth and quality local jobs. The coalition was founded by Earthjustice, Environment California, Food & Water Watch, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #11, Jobs to Move America, and the Sierra Club.