Today, the Route Zero Relay kicked off at the endpoint of historic Route 66 on the Santa Monica Pier. Local Councilmember Phil Brock of Santa Monica, Susana Reyes, City of L.A. Board of Public Works, Chanel Parson, Southern California Edison, Director of Electrification, Ed Begley Jr, Actor, Producer, and Climate Activist, and others held a press conference urging strong public support for zero-emissions vehicles. The speakers also encouraged the Biden Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finish the job by finalizing the strongest option for the newly announced round of federal clean car standards.

California and the rest of the country are on a path to a zero-emission future which is being spurred by historic investments in charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and tax incentives for consumers to make the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles. Remaining on the route to zero emissions requires strong federal clean car standards – the vision behind the Route Zero Campaign.

City of Santa Monica Councilmember Phil Brock highlighted the combined potential of regional and federal climate action to transform American transportation.

“Strong federal partnership is crucial for our progress towards a zero-emission future in our state and on the local level. I am thrilled to see the Route Zero Relay highlight the importance of clean transportation and air quality for communities like our own,” said Brock. “By working together, local, state, and federal governments can accelerate our transition to electric and hybrid vehicles, ultimately improving public health and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.”

The Route Zero Relay is traveling across the country along parts of the iconic Route 66 and other important sites, uplifting stories from Americans about how they would benefit from reduced tailpipe pollution and cleaner air, where they see opportunities for zero-emission vehicles, how cities and towns are proactively working toward clean transportation initiatives, and more.

“This incredible journey along Route 66 symbolizes not only our historic past, but also our growing commitment to a more sustainable tomorrow,” said Ed Begley Jr. “By adopting strong federal clean car standards, we can pave the way for a cleaner transportation sector, reduce harmful pollution, and create a lasting positive impact on our environment and public health. That’s why we’re calling on the EPA to ensure that we stay on the route to zero emissions and drive change for the better.”

The Los Angeles area has some of the most polluted air in the country and this results in staggering rates of respiratory illness, particularly asthma rates. In California, there are almost 438,000 children and almost 2,700,000 adults that suffer from asthma. Low-income communities and communities of color bear the brunt of air pollution.

“Route Zero is a powerful demonstration of our collective vision for a zero-emission future,” said Reyes. “Vehicle pollution is a pressing issue for our communities, we can see its harmful impact in the haze that afflicts our beautiful state, and in the health of Californians, especially those living in underserved communities that for far too long have borne the greatest burden. I am proud to be with you today to mark such a historic movement and urge bold action from the EPA for significant safeguards to improve public health.”

Stronger pollution standards for cars, buses, and trucks can protect our health as well as spur new domestic manufacturing and job creation furthering California’s position as a leader in clean transportation.

“We know the vital role that clean transportation plays in addressing climate change and improving air quality. Route Zero exemplifies the commitment and collaboration needed from everyone to transition to a prosperous zero-emission future,” said Chanel Parson, Southern California Edison, Director of Electrification. “We are proud to be working alongside the many advocates and leaders who are driving this change, and pledge our continued support in providing clean, reliable power to our rapidly growing electric transportation sector.”

“We know the vital role that clean transportation plays in addressing climate change and improving air quality. Route Zero exemplifies the commitment and collaboration needed to transition to a prosperous zero-emission future,” said Chanel Parson, Southern California Edison, Director of Electrification. “We are proud to stand alongside the advocates and leaders who are driving this change, and pledge our continued support in providing clean, reliable power to our rapidly growing electric transportation sector.”

Speakers outlined the need for this new round of clean cars standards and encouraged the Biden Administration and the EPA to finish the job when it comes to addressing the problem of tailpipe pollution from vehicles. The transportation sector is the largest source of carbon pollution in California and in the country. That pollution leads to Californians breathing some of the most polluted air in the U.S., while at the same time fueling the climate crisis.

The EPA’s virtual public hearings for the new clean car standards are coming up on May 9th and 10th, and people are encouraged to register by May 2nd to give testimony during those hearings. Send an email to [email protected] to register.

In addition, the public comment period about the clean cars standards will open soon, and the Route Zero Relay is encouraging people across the country to submit comments as well as “deliver” these comments to Washington, DC at the end of this comment period.

(A recording of the event is available HERE.)

Photo provided by Adria Stoliar.