California’s new governor, Xavier Becerra, faces pressing transportation challenges. While the gubernatorial race focused on gas prices, broader transport issues demand attention. Notably, the campaign highlighted differing approaches to fuel costs and vehicle standards, with Steve Hilton promising $3 gas and suggesting the dismantling of the DMV, while Becerra emphasized stabilizing prices and showed openness to relaxing vehicle electrification standards. Their disagreement over the gas tax and its replacements showed the complexity of these issues.
The Center for Law, Energy & the Environment (CLEE) offers policy recommendations. These strategies aim to address climate, affordability, and mobility concerns, building on California’s historical leadership in transportation innovation and its influence on national standards.
Ballot Measures Reflect Regional Transit Priorities
Voters in the Bay Area approved Regional Measure RTM, allocating $1 billion annually for public transit through a sales tax increase. This measure will fund services for BART, Caltrain, SF Muni, and AC Transit. San Francisco’s Proposition H adds $160 million yearly via a parcel tax, specifically for SF Muni. In contrast, Fresno’s Measure S, which would have raised $250 million for local transit, failed, reflecting regional disparities in transit funding support.
These results show differing regional attitudes. Urban areas, like the Bay Area, tend to support transit funding through tax measures, while other regions, such as Fresno, remain cautious or resistant, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to transportation policy across California.
Transportation’s Wide-Ranging Effects
Transportation influences economic opportunity and quality of life. Many Californians face long commutes due to high living costs in urban centers, often spending significant portions of their income on housing and transportation. Rising fuel and insurance expenses further stress households, sometimes displacing funds for other necessities. Vehicles also significantly impact climate and air quality, with cars and trucks being leading contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution.
California has historically led in transportation innovation, from emissions standards to public transit initiatives. Its policies often set national benchmarks, giving its actions broader significance in shaping environmental and economic outcomes across the country.
Essential Strategies for Governor Becerra
CLEE suggests unified leadership across California’s transportation agencies, which currently number nearly a dozen, including Caltrans, the California Air Resources Board, and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. As the governor appoints agency heads, he can support coordinated efforts on mobility, affordability, and emissions reduction, ensuring that these agencies work together toward common goals.
Another priority is vehicle electrification. California must reaffirm its leadership by addressing federal challenges to its clean vehicle rules, including legal battles and regulatory pushback. Policies should focus on grid integration to maximize the benefits of electric vehicle batteries, air quality improvements in disadvantaged areas heavily affected by truck and logistics traffic, and consumer protection for electric vehicle buyers, ensuring affordability and reliability.
Public transit funding remains vital. While recent ballot measures in the Bay Area provide some relief, transit systems statewide struggle with declining ridership and budget cuts. Maintaining and expanding services is key for sustainability and economic access, particularly for those without automobile access. The governor can work with the Legislature to ensure baseline funding and expand service to underserved communities, reducing emissions and enhancing mobility across the state.