WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Zero Emission Transportation Association’s Executive Director, Albert Gore, issued the following statement welcoming California Governor Gavin Newsom’s state budget that allocates $200 million to support a new electric vehicle sales incentive program:

“It is encouraging that the nation’s leading electric vehicle market continues to support advanced transportation technologies and the hundreds of thousands of Americans building these vehicles throughout the country. While the details of California’s proposed EV incentive program still need to be finalized, the timing is critical, as the impacts of recent changes to tax and trade policies threaten to impact future growth in the battery and EV manufacturing supply chain in the United States.

“Despite this setback, record U.S. sales in the third quarter and a strong pipeline of new models slated for 2026 demonstrate that significant growth opportunities remain. At the same time, global electric vehicle sales surpassed 25 percent of new car sales in 2025, underscoring the importance of ensuring the United States does not cede this market to global competitors. California, meanwhile, represents a significant portion of the American auto market—accounting for approximately 11 percent of all new vehicle sales in 2025. Providing Californians with a state-level incentive will help sustain industry growth, continue to support domestic supply chain development, and create American jobs, while also offering a roadmap for other states seeking to support American industry.

“We know that the vast majority of EV drivers plan to make their next car electric. We also know that the neighbor-effect of experiencing an EV with a trusted friend or family member leads to even more drivers becoming interested in going electric. These are good products that people want to drive. Incentive programs like this provide the opportunity for more Americans to experience an EV, while also supporting a burgeoning industry.”