Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Clean Miles Standard topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Panel advances bill to adjust Clean Miles Standard targets while adding driver support
Summary
The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee advanced SB 739 to give CARB and the CPUC authority to adjust Clean Miles Standard targets and add interim targets and a driver assistance fund; supporters argued the changes prevent unintended driver deactivations while opponents urged stronger, accelerating targets to protect air quality.
Senator Arreguin presented SB 739, saying the bill would let the California Air Resources Board and the California Public Utilities Commission recalibrate Clean Miles Standard (CMS) targets so they reflect changing market and economic conditions and avoid forcing drivers off platforms.
"Without these changes, we'd be placing hundreds of thousands of California rideshare drivers in a difficult position where they might lose platform access if they do not adopt zero-emission vehicles," the senator said, and he accepted committee amendments that include a driver assistance fund and interim targets (the author cited a proposed 17% EVMT interim target by 2028).
Industry supporters said the bill balances climate goals with feasibility. "Lyft remains committed to continuing those investments," Malcolm McFarland testified, saying Lyft had invested "over $64,000,000 in driver bonuses, EV rentals and in-app tools" to ease the transition. John Finley for Uber said the company has invested "hundreds of millions" in incentives and charging partnerships and warned that current CMS targets are "no longer technically or economically feasible" given higher electricity costs and constrained EV supply.
Public-health advocates urged a different path. "The Clean Mile Standard was designed to promote adoption of EVs and limit this kind of air pollution," Dr. Benjamin Liu of the American Lung Association said in respectful opposition, citing continuing unhealthy air in many California communities and urging accelerating, not decelerating, EV mile targets.
Assemblymember Chris Rogers said he supported the bill’s built-in flexibility, arguing it preserves long-term climate goals while recognizing gaps in funding and infrastructure. The committee moved the bill (moved by Assemblymember Crowell; seconded by Assemblymember Rubio) and issued a "do pass as amended" recommendation, referring SB 739 to the Committee on Appropriations. The final committee tally was recorded as 9–0 in favor when the roll was closed.
The bill’s next step is review by the Appropriations Committee. Committee members and proponents said they expect continued negotiations about implementation details and the driver assistance program.
