Introduction:
Mary Nichols, the former chair of the California Air Resources Board, has been a prominent figure in the fight for clean air and environmental protection for over 15 years. She has faced numerous challenges, including battling with the Trump administration over California’s air quality standards and working to phase out gas-powered cars in the state by 2035. Nichols, who is now teaching at UCLA and working on a memoir, continues to advocate for environmental activism and drive her electric Ford Mustang Mach-E. In a recent conversation at the SAFE Summit, she shared insights on the challenges and opportunities in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, as well as the importance of continued environmental progress in the face of political uncertainty.
The Transition to Electric Vehicles:
Nichols discusses the ongoing transition to EVs in the U.S. auto industry, highlighting the success of hybrids and the growth of EV sales in California and other states. Despite challenges faced by companies like GM and Ford, Nichols remains confident that the world will eventually shift towards electric vehicles, albeit potentially with a slight delay. She acknowledges the progress made in the adoption of EVs but expresses frustration with negative press coverage, particularly in light of Toyota’s previous opposition to EVs.
Political Challenges in the Auto Industry:
When asked about the possibility of another Trump win and the potential rollback of fuel economy rules, Nichols reflects on the impact of the Trump administration’s regulatory changes on automakers. She emphasizes the need for the U.S. auto industry to stay competitive with Europe and China by developing more efficient and electric vehicles. Nichols believes that the backlash from consumers and public opinion could deter future attempts to weaken air quality regulations under a second Trump administration.
The Impact of Potential Policy Changes:
Despite concerns about the impact of a Trump win on California’s phase-out of gas car sales by 2035, Nichols remains optimistic about the state’s ability to maintain its environmental efforts. She points to California’s history of overcoming challenges to its waiver rights under the Clean Air Act and highlights the economic and environmental imperative of staying the course towards cleaner transportation. Nichols suggests that California would reassess its goals if EV adoption falters but remains committed to driving progress in the face of political uncertainty.
The Role of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars:
Nichols shares her experience driving a Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle and discusses the challenges of hydrogen fueling infrastructure. She notes the limitations of fuel availability and market size for hydrogen vehicles, highlighting the importance of focusing on heavy-duty and commercial applications. Nichols suggests that hydrogen fuel cell cars may have a more significant impact in addressing air pollution from trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles, offering a potential solution for reducing emissions in these sectors.
Government Initiatives to Promote Clean Transportation:
In line with the Biden administration’s efforts to decarbonize U.S. supply chains and accelerate the adoption of emission-free big rigs, Nichols discusses the importance of public and private investment in EV charging and hydrogen-fueling infrastructure. She acknowledges the need for significant funding and strategic planning to support the transition to cleaner transportation options, particularly in the medium- and heavy-duty trucking sectors. By focusing on key roadways and catalyzing private investment, Nichols believes that the government can play a crucial role in driving progress towards cleaner air and reduced emissions in the transportation sector.