Toyota must boost EV production, not just acknowledge state laws
In acknowledging California’s authority to regulate vehicle emissions, Toyota Motor Corp. rolls back company’s Trump-era opposition to the state’s public health efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a break with the company’s position during the Trump administration, Toyota Motor Corp. on Tuesday formally acknowledged California’s authority to regulate vehicle emissions. The company’s announcement comes as the California Air Resources Board is set to this week adopt new, more stringent, emissions standards for passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.
East Peterson-Trujillo, clean vehicles campaigner at Public Citizen, issued the following statement:
“Toyota’s belated decision to support California emissions standards reinforces that Toyota only sees environmental improvement as a last-ditch effort to safeguard sales. The company is now eligible for fleet purchases by the state of California.
“Though Toyota has finally acknowledged California’s authority to reduce pollution by regulating vehicle emissions, the company’s refusal to make genuine, time-bound commitments to produce only electric vehicles leaves it in the slow lane. To protect public health and combat climate change, Toyota must shift toward manufacturing 100% electric vehicles by 2030.”
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