EXECUTIVE ORDER B-32-15
WHEREAS California’s vast transportation system connects 38 million residents and supports a vibrant economy with $2.2 trillion in annual gross domestic product; and
WHEREAS California’s complex freight transportation system is responsible for one-third of the State’s economy and jobs, with freight-dependent industries accounting for over $700 billion in revenue and over 5 million jobs in 2013; and
WHEREAS California is the largest gateway for international trade and domestic commerce in the nation, with an interconnected system of ports, railroads, highways, and roads that allow goods from around the world to move throughout the state; and
WHEREAS significant investments in freight infrastructure are necessary to ensure the continued economic competitiveness of our state; and
WHEREAS California has recently set new, aggressive targets for reducing pollution, including decreasing greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and cutting petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to half from current levels by 2030 and established strategies to prepare for climate change; and
WHEREAS freight transportation in California generates a high portion of local pollution in parts of the state with poor air quality and an increasing contribution of greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS the policies and investments of state transportation and environmental agencies can influence California’s freight system to become more efficient, competitive, and environmentally sustainable; and
WHEREAS future investments to upgrade freight vehicles and infrastructure should utilize technologies, energy sources, and fuels that enable greater transportation efficiency while reducing community and environmental impacts.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes of the State of California, do hereby order the following, effective immediately:
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency, the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency, and the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency lead other relevant state departments including the California Air Resources Board, the California Department of Transportation, the California Energy Commission, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development to develop an integrated action plan by July 2016 that establishes clear targets to improve freight efficiency, transition to zero-emission technologies, and increase competitiveness of California’s freight system.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this action plan identify state policies, programs, and investments to achieve these targets, and that the plan be informed by existing state agency strategies, including the California Freight Mobility Plan, Sustainable Freight Pathways to Zero and Near-Zero Emissions, Integrated Energy Policy Report, as well as broad stakeholder input.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that to ensure progress towards a sustainable freight system, these entities initiate work this year on corridor-level freight pilot projects within the State’s primary trade corridors that integrate advanced technologies, alternative fuels, freight and fuel infrastructure, and local economic development opportunities.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that agencies under my direct executive authority cooperate in the implementation of this Order, and it is requested that other public and private entities assist in its development and implementation as appropriate.
This Executive Order is not intended to create, and does not create, any rights or benefits, whether substantive or procedural, or enforceable at law or in equity, against the State of California or its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other person.
I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this Order shall be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given to this Order.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 16th day of July 2015.
EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California
ATTEST:
ALEX PADILLA
Secretary of State