Energy Independence Now

Geographic areas served: California

Programs: Energy Independence Now (EIN) works closely with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the California Energy Commission (CEC), State Legislative offices, the Clean Cars Environmental Coalition and industry leaders to ensure effective implementation of the key regulations and funding programs that address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our transportation sector. EIN leverages the experience it has gained on technology-specific regulations (biodiesel, hydrogen, electric vehicles) to provide direct input on the design and language of new and revised regulations, as well as work through the Environmental Coalition to ensure key practical topics are kept high on the group’s agenda. In addition, EIN synergizes its effort between various components of the transportation sector including: clean vehicles, alternative fuels, infrastructure development, and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) reduction. EIN continues to: • Pursue policies that support all fuels and technology solutions that help address petroleum dependence, climate change, and air quality. • Advocate for sustainability metrics and protocols that anticipate and avoid unintended consequences and adverse impacts of the transition to alternative fuels. • Advocate for policies that create clear regulatory certainty, but do not stifle investment in alternative fuels or have a chilling effect on the transition away from petroleum. • Support policies that stimulate market development for in-state bio-energy production, including fuels and power from agricultural waste, municipal waste, and direct feedstock production. • Work to ensure that key policy makers are educated on the issues and opportunities related to advancement of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in California, and on the negative impacts of California’s growing dependence on petroleum-based fuels.