As you know, friend, California just endured an extreme heat wave.

This summer’s heat wave has dwarfed last year’s and is even worse than the 2020 heat wave that caused blackouts.

Yet we’ve successfully avoided blackouts that have plagued other states by banding together to use less energy and reduce the strain on our power grid. Californians answered the call to reduce using major appliances, including charging electric vehicles, during peak hours of energy demand.

But electric vehicles (EVs) are not the problem. In fact, EVs could be part of the solution to reducing the strain on our grid.

Read our blog post to learn more about the potential of EVs.

Friend, electric vehicles currently account for less than 1% of the state’s electricity usage.

Yes, the number of EVs will continue to grow, especially with the state’s upcoming ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars.

But more EVs on the road will actually make our grid more resilient, because they provide electricity back to the grid.

You can check out our blog post for the how, but I want to tell you about the when: November 8. That’s the last day of voting in the 2022 midterm election.

On every Californians’ ballot is Proposition 30, an initiative that would raise tens of billions of dollars to make EVs more affordable and expand charging and fueling infrastructure throughout the state. (With almost half of these investments going to low-income and disadvantaged communities!)

It goes without saying that by incentivizing the use of clean cars, Prop 30 would reduce emissions and improve air quality.

But by getting more people buying and charging EVs, Prop 30 could serve as a buttress for our power grid as we look ahead to more heat waves.

Read up on Prop 30 and electric vehicles’ effect on the grid, then make a plan to vote YES on Prop 30 this fall.

Thanks for playing a part in our clean energy future.

Oscar Garcia
Ballot Initiative Coordinator
California Environmental Voters
(formerly California League of Conservation Voters)

EnviroVoters is hiring! Join us to work on critical climate legislation work.

California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters), formerly California League of Conservation Voters, exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. To protect our air, land, water, and future, we organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. Our vision is to solve the climate crisis, build resilient, connected, healthy communities, and create a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all.