September 13, 2022
Mayor's Office
DATE: September 26, 2022
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Eduardo Martinez and Councilmember Cesar
Zepeda
Subject: National Drive Electric Week – September 22 to October 1, 2023
FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
N/A
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Petroleum-fueled vehicles are a major source of
greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution,
exacerbating climate change and public health issues.
The City of Richmond, California, is advocating for a
transition to clean energy in the transportation sector through its support of National Drive Electric Week,
aiming to educate citizens and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: PROCLAMATION declaring September 22 to October 1, 2023, as National Drive Electric Week in the City of
Richmond – Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503)
and Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593).
DISCUSSION:
The designation of "Drive Electric Week" in Richmond, California, represents a significant effort in the broader initiative to address climate change and public health concerns. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the transportation AGENDA
REPORT
September 13, 2022
sector was responsible for 29 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, highlighting the critical need for cleaner transportation options like electric vehicles (EVs). The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution contributes to approximately seven million premature deaths globally each year. A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists indicates that EVs emit less than half the greenhouse gases of their gasoline-powered counterparts over their lifetimes. By supporting National Drive Electric Week, Richmond aims to raise public awareness and speed up the transition to more sustainable means of transportation.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation