LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator CEO and President Matt Petersen released the following statement in reaction to President Biden’s announcement of executive actions to tackle the climate crisis at home and abroad, create jobs, and restore scientific integrity across the federal government.
“We applaud President Biden’s bold executive actions on climate today which make clear that our nation can and will tackle climate, economic, and racial justice together. We know that moving to zero emissions transportation and 100 percent clean energy is key to economic growth, green job creation, and climate action. Disadvantaged and frontline communities suffer the worst consequences of air pollution and the extreme heat and other climate impacts, yet also lack adequate transportation options. These important actions laid out by the White House will get us to the future our team at LACI is working to build every day.
“The order to replace the federal vehicle fleet with EVs moves the nation one step closer to a zero emissions transportation future and sends a powerful signal to the marketplace. As the former Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Los Angeles, I know the purchasing power of the government and the power of the federal government’s purse is enormous. President Biden’s executive action will help create demand for EVs and reduce the fuel and maintenance costs for government agencies.
“We look forward to working with the Biden Administration to reduce climate and air pollution, improve public health, put Americans back to work, and restart our economy through his $2 trillion Build Back Better infrastructure stimulus plan. That’s why over 75 local governments, utilities, labor groups, cleantech startups, incubators and corporations across 16 states are supporting the Transportation Electrification Partnership’s comprehensive $150 billion federal stimulus proposal for manufacturing EVs, installing charging infrastructure, supporting zero emissions public and active transit, accelerating workforce training, and unlocking innovation from startups, including underrepresented founders.”
