The Senate on Tuesday approved 29-0 a measure that would grant a five-year sales tax exemption of 4% for purchases of medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission trucks. Sen. Monique Limón of Santa Barbara noted that heavy-duty trucks are responsible for about 35% of the statewide nitrogen oxide emissions. Her measure would support the governor’s goal of transitioning these vehicles to zero emissions by 2045.
Republican Sen. Shannon Grove of Bakersfield worried that the costs for this transition would be passed on to consumers, exacerbating already high prices for bacon and eggs, for example.
“I just don’t think the whole thing is thought through, and there’s going to be a huge burden to our constituents,” said Grove.
Limón, who represents ports in her district, pointed out that the bill is a tax break welcomed by the transportation industry.
