# GM EV Proposal Would Undercut State Programs

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/10/gm-ev-proposal-would-undercut-state-programs/
- Published: 2018-10-26T22:13:55-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

# **GM EV Proposal May Sound Good, But Vehicle Electrification plans are the Devil in the Details.**

[General Motors](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/03/gm-targets-2010-production-for-electric-car/)
has [proposed](https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/10/26/general-motors-zero-emission-vehicle-electric-cars-mary-barra-ceo-column/1760801002/)
what it’s calling a “National Zero Emission Vehicle (NZEV) program”. One that would
require automakers to sell a minimum volume of plug-in or fuel cell vehicles.

While this may sound like an innovative idea, it could also dramatically undercut
programs. Programs run also by states including California and New York. Ones that
are showing real leadership in furthermore cutting vehicle emissions.

State leadership on vehicle electrification is the reason there are now over 40 
electric [vehicle](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/08/electric-vehicles-will-transform-the-automotive-industry-over-the-next-five-years-says-globaldata/)
models. All available in the U.S. Most noteworthy is we are expected to hit the 
2 million EVs sold soon enough.

## GM’s proposal would represent less than 5 percent of new vehicle sales in 2025. Furthermore, is much weaker than what states have on the books. California electric vehicle sales are already at 6 percent today. Current requirements in California and nine other states require about 8 percent ZEV sales by 2025.

Advancing vehicle electrification is important. However a national [ZEV](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/first-zero-emission-cabs-tested-in-london/)
program is no replacement for the aggressive vehicle electrification. Likening just
[fuel efficiency and carbon emission standards](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/auto-fuel-economy-rollback-and-its-impact/)
we have on the books today is not enough.

That’s because the majority of vehicles that sold over the next decade will be gasoline
powered. Moreover there are proven, cost-effective technologies available that will
cut gasoline costs for millions of Americans.

### GM should focused on meeting and beating existing standards and reject the Trump administration’s proposed rollback which would:

 * result in an extra 2.2 billion metric tons of global warming emissions by 2040—
   that’s 170 million metric tons in 2040 alone, equal to keeping 43 coal-fired 
   power plants online;

 * mean cars and trucks will use an extra 200 billion gallons of gasoline by 2040—
   that’s as much oil as we’ve imported from the Persian Gulf since the standards
   were first finalized in 2010;

 * cost consumers hundreds of billions of dollars—in 2040 alone, consumers will 
   spend an extra $55 billion at the pump if these standards rolled back;

 * cut employment, economy-wide, by 60,000 in 2025 and 126,000 in 2035;

 * reduce gross domestic product by $8 billion in both 2025 and 2035.

### ![GM EV Proposal May Sound Good, But Vehicle Electrification plans are the Devil in the Details.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/img_13594892753233438179494.jpg?resize=780%2C780&quality=52&ssl=1)

The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work. All
to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with people across the country
too. For they combine technical analysis and effective advocacy. All to create innovative,
practical solutions for a healthy, safe and sustainable future. Finally and for 
more information, go to [www.ucsusa.org](https://www.ucsusa.org/).

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)
