January 13, 2026. On January 9th, Governor Gavin Newsom introduced his proposed 2026–27 budget plan, setting the stage for the state’s policy and spending priorities in the coming year. While the proposal seeks to address California’s ongoing fiscal challenges, it nevertheless misses an important opportunity to invest in immediate emission‑reduction strategies that would help keep the state on track to improve air quality. This omission is especially concerning as California enters a period in which meeting federal clean‑air standards is becoming increasingly difficult and regulatory direction for fleets remains uncertain.
In response, Nicole Rice, President of the California Renewable Transportation Alliance (CRTA), issued the following statement:
“At a time when California faces Clean Air Act challenges, regulatory uncertainty, and risks to future federal transportation funding—this budget misses a critical opportunity to invest in solutions that deliver immediate air quality benefits,” said Nicole Rice.
“CRTA has consistently called for a balanced clean truck transition—pairing long-term zero-emission goals with proven technologies that can cut emissions now. Low-NOx combustion trucks—capable of achieving 50 mg or less NOx emissions—are commercially available, cost-effective, and essential to sustain near-term progress, support fleet turnover, and protect public health.”
“The absence of targeted funding for these proven technologies risks slowing momentum in communities that can least afford delays. A balanced investment strategy would provide certainty for fleets, advance health objectives, and maintain the competitiveness of California’s goods movement sector.”
To engage policymakers in definitive solutions following the budget release, CRTA—joined by 15 partner organizations including local governments, clean transportation advocates, waste and recycling companies, and renewable energy providers—submitted a formal request to the Legislature seeking a $100 million appropriation to accelerate deployment of low-NOx heavy‑duty combustion trucks.
CRTA urges legislative leaders to choose swift, practical, measurable action that saves lives, strengthens fleets, and keeps California on the path to cleaner air and a healthier future.