Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with full possession and control of all state highways and all property and rights in property acquired for state highway purposes. Existing law requires the department to adopt rules and regulations that allow the placement, near exits on freeways in rural areas, of information signs identifying specific roadside businesses, including a business offering electric vehicle charging facilities.

This bill would require the department, in coordination with the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, to develop and design light-duty zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling station signage to be placed along state highways based on charger or fueling type and vehicle compatibility, in order to increase consumer confidence in locating electric vehicle chargers and hydrogen fueling stations. The bill would authorize the department to adopt rules and regulations for these purposes.

Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with full possession and control of all state highways and all property and rights in property acquired for state highway purposes. Existing law requires the department to adopt rules and regulations that allow the placement, near exits on freeways in rural areas, of information signs identifying specific roadside businesses, including a business offering electric vehicle charging facilities.

This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation that would require the department, in coordination with the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, to develop and design light-duty zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling station signage to be placed along state highways, as specified, as well as a publicly accessible online platform that identifies the locations of electric vehicle chargers along state highway corridors. highways based on charger or fueling type and vehicle compatibility, to increase consumer confidence in locating electric vehicle chargers and hydrogen fueling stations. The bill would authorize the department to adopt and regulations for these purposes.

Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with full possession and control of all state highways and all property and rights in property acquired for state highway purposes. Existing law requires the department to adopt rules and regulations that allow the placement, near exits on freeways in rural areas, of information signs identifying specific roadside businesses, including a business offering electric vehicle charging facilities.

This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation that would require the department, in coordination with the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, to develop and design light-duty zero-emission vehicle charging station signage to be placed along state highways, as specified, as well as a publicly accessible online platform that identifies the locations of electric vehicle chargers along state highway corridors.

Date of Hearing: August 23, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Chris Holden, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 30

Author:(Umberg) – As Amended Ver:June 19, 2023

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBiz) and the California Energy Commission (CEC), to develop and design light-duty (LD) zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) charging and fueling station signage, based on charger or fueling type and vehicle compatibility, to be placed along state highways.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Caltrans describes the work required by this bill, and the outcome of that work, as largely duplicative of existing collaborative efforts between Caltrans, GoBiz and the CEC.

Nonetheless, Caltrans cautions the LD ZEV charging and fueling signs it has developed and that it places along the state’s highways do not indicate a charging or fueling station’s capability with vehicle types. Caltrans did not provide a cost estimate for the work necessary to redesign LD ZEV charging and fueling station signs to comply with the requirements of this bill. However, Caltrans notes it takes approximately nine hours of staff work to purchase one LD ZEV charging and fueling sign and place it along a highway, and Caltrans asserts it may need to purchase and place as many as 1,000 new signs as a result of this bill. (Special fund or General Fund.)

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. The author intends this bill to foster adoption of ZEVs. According to the author:

SB 30 will require ZEV charging station signage to be placed along state highways. This signage will inform drivers where they can charge their electric vehicles or fuel up their hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. SB 30 will also build awareness for non-ZEV motorists by bringing ZEV infrastructure to the forefront of their minds, helping eliminate range anxiety during daily driving routes and trips throughout the state. SB 30 strives to increase confidence in California’s ever-growing ZEV station infrastructure.

1. Background.

State has ambitious ZEV goals. California law requires the dramatic reduction in the state’s emissions of GHGs. One of the state’s principal strategies for achieving this reduction of GHGs is the widespread deployment of ZEVs and, eventually, largely replacing internal combustion engines on California roadways with ZEVs.

To further realization of this goal, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order (EO) N79-20 to require 100% of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks to be zero emission by 2035. ARB, consistent with the EO, and with its existing statutory authority, adopted the Advanced Clean Cars 2 regulation, which requires an increasing percentage of new car sales to be ZEVs, culminating in 100% by 2035. Similarly, ARB’s Advanced Clean Fleet regulation requires 100% of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle be ZEVs by 2045, where feasible, and by 2035 for drayage trucks.

Caltrans already prescribes and installs ZEV charging and fueling station signage. State law directs Caltrans to adopt the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and requires all traffic control devices conform to MUTCD standards. The MUTCD has long provided standards for EV charging signage and now includes standards for signage to indicate EV charging, EV fast charging and hydrogen fueling. Caltrans reports it will, upon request of local government, place ZEV charging and fueling signage along roadways and cover the cost to do so.

Analysis Prepared by: Jay Dickenson / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: June 26, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Laura Friedman, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 30

Author:(Umberg) – As Amended Ver:February 27, 2023

SENATE VOTE: 40-0

SUBJECT: Transportation: zero-emission vehicle signage

SUMMARY: Requires the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to develop and design light-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) charging and fueling station signage to be placed along state highways. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires Caltrans, in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (CEC), to develop and design light-duty zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling station signage to be placed along state highways based on charger or fueling type and vehicle compatibility, to increase consumer confidence in locating electric vehicle chargers and hydrogen fueling stations.
2. Allows Caltrans to adopt rules and regulations for purposes of this section.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Requires Caltrans to adopt rules and regulations prescribing uniform standards for all traffic control devices, including signs and markings, known as the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). All traffic control devices must conform to these standards. (Vehicle Code Section 21400)
2. Establishes, through Executive Order, a goal of the State that 100% of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks will be zero-emission by 2035, that 100% of medium-and heavy-duty vehicles in the State be zero-emission by 2045 for all operations where feasible and by 2035 for drayage trucks. (EO N-79-20)

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.

COMMENTS: The Legislature has set a number of goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and address climate change. The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, AB 32 (Nuñez), Chapter 488, Statutes of 2006 and subsequent companion legislation SB 32 (Pavley), Chapter 249, Statutes of 2016, requires California to reduce statewide GHG emissions to 40% below the 1990 level by 2030. The 1990 level is an aggregated statewide limit, and is not sector- or facility-specific. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is responsible for developing a Scoping Plan to detail how the state will achieve its GHG emissions reduction targets mandated by law.

Nearly 40% of California's GHG emissions are generated by the transportation sector, which includes both the light-duty (passenger) and medium- and heavy-duty fleets. Heavy-duty diesel trucks also contribute to unhealthy levels of ozone, inhalable particulate matter, carbon monoxide, NOx, and sulfur dioxide, affecting local air quality. In the transportation sector, measure to reduce GHG emissions include requiring the use of low carbon fuels, cleaner vehicles, and strategies to promote sustainable communities and improved transportation choices that reduce growth in number of vehicle miles traveled.

To further these efforts, at the end of 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order (EO) N-79-20 which requires 100% of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks to be zero-emission by 2035. EO N-79-20 charges CARB with developing and proposing passenger vehicle and truck regulations requiring increasing volumes of new ZEVs sold in the State towards that goal.

ZEVs sales and related infrastructure increasing. California surpassed one million ZEV sales in 2021 and leads the country in all ZEV market metrics including the highest level of public funding, the largest EV market share percentage of nearly 18%, and the most extensive public charging infrastructure. The success of the state’s programs has led to ZEVs becoming a top export and has spurred major advances in manufacturing and job creation.

While hydrogen and electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) are growing, they are still relatively new. Range anxiety remains one of the most significant barriers to the sale and use of electric vehicles. There is a common misconception that ZEV stations are not easily available. The lack of ZEV charging signage on highways contributes to this misconception.

Raising the visibility of EV charging stations can increase driver awareness of local charging opportunities, potentially raising consumer confidence in ZEV viability and facilitating the transition to ZEV ownership. Transitioning to ZEV vehicles will reduce smog and air pollution which will positively impact everyone throughout the state.

Adequate charging infrastructure is essential to achieving our EV deployment goals. A recent survey by Consumer Reports found that concerns about charging logistics (e.g. where and when an EV can be recharged) was the most cited barrier for potential EV buyers. Similarly, a recent JD Power study found increasing dissatisfaction with EV charging among EV owners, noting that public charging continues to provide challenges to overall EV adoption and current EV owners alike.

ZEV charging signage can be helpful. There is increasing awareness of the need to deploy more ZEV charging and to better inform drivers of ZEV charging availability. While most ZEV drivers are made aware of ZEV charging through apps in their vehicle, signage can be helpful and creates awareness among yet-to-be ZEV buyers. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI), a federal EV charging program created as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides that highway signage is an authorized use of NEVI funding. Additionally, California’s Clean Transportation Program provides planning grants to local governments for ZEV infrastructure planning and authorizes installation of signage for previously installed chargers.

Caltrans has published a ZEV charging station sign installation guide which includes model signage that has been approved by the MUTCD (see below). Moreover, Caltrans has an existing program which places signs on highways when requested by a local government, or when the CEC identifies a need for signs, at no cost to the requestor. As of September 2022 about 230 signs have been installed on freeways.

According to the author, “SB 30 will require ZEV charging station signage to be placed along state highways. This signage will inform drivers where they can charge their electric vehicles or fuel up their hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. SB 30 will also build awareness for non-ZEV motorists by bringing ZEV infrastructure to the forefront of their minds, helping eliminate range anxiety during daily driving routes and trips throughout the state. SB 30 strives to increase confidence in California’s ever-growing ZEV station infrastructure. Adding more ZEVs on the road will improve public health and the environment and adding refueling station signs will help the state meet its transportation goals and help boost local economic development.”

In support, Breathe California writes, “As zero-emission vehicles become increasingly commonplace, drivers must be confident in their ability to travel long distances without depleting their fuel supplies. Adding this signage to highways is a simple and cost-effective way to improve our state’s transportation infrastructure by helping drivers of zero-emission vehicles find charging/fueling stations for their cars.”

Previous legislation. AB 400 (Alejo) Chapter 693, Statutes of 2015, requires, prior to June 30, 2016, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to update its policies regarding changeable message signs, as prescribed.

AB 634 (Salas) Chapter 95, Statutes of 2019, requires roundabouts to be included in the list of highway facility types that may be used for memorial or dedication signing as designated in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Breathe California

California Electric Transportation Coalition

California Hydrogen Coalition

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Julia Kingsley / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SB 30

Author: Umberg (D)

Amended: 2/27/23

Vote: 21

SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: 16-0, 4/25/23

AYES: Gonzalez, Niello, Allen, Archuleta, Becker, Blakespear, Cortese, Dahle, Dodd, Limón, McGuire, Newman, Nguyen, Seyarto, Umberg, Wahab

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

SUBJECT: Transportation: zero-emission vehicle signage

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to develop and design light-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) charging and fueling station signage to be placed along state highways.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Requires Caltrans to adopt rules and regulations prescribing uniform standards for all traffic control devices, including signs and markings, known as the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). All traffic control devices must conform to these standards. (Vehicle Code Section 21400)
2. Establishes, through Executive Order, a goal of the State that 100 percent of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks will be zero-emission by 2035, that 100 percent of medium-and heavy-duty vehicles in the State be zero-emission by 2045 for all operations where feasible and by 2035 for drayage trucks. (EO N-79-20)

This bill requires Caltrans, in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and the California Energy Commission (CEC), to develop and design light-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) charging and fueling station signage to be placed along state highways.

Comments

1. Author’s Statement. “SB 30 will require ZEV charging station signage to be placed along state highways. This signage will inform drivers where they can charge their electric vehicles or fuel up their hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. SB 30 will also build awareness for non-ZEV motorists by bringing ZEV infrastructure to the forefront of their minds, helping eliminate range anxiety during daily driving routes and trips throughout the state. SB 30 strives to increase confidence in California’s ever-growing ZEV station infrastructure. Adding more ZEVs on the road will improve public health and the environment and adding refueling station signs will help the state meet its transportation goals and help boost local economic development.”
2. Falling Far Behind. Adequate charging infrastructure is essential to achieving our EV deployment goals. A recent survey by Consumer Reports found that concerns about charging logistics (e.g. where and when an EV can be recharged) was the most cited barrier for potential EV buyers^[1]. Similarly, a recent JD Power study found increasing dissatisfaction with EV charging among EV owners, noting that public charging continues to provide challenges to overall EV adoption and current EV owners alike^[2].
3. Be Aware. There is increasing awareness of the need to deploy more ZEV charging and to better inform drivers of ZEV charging availability. While most ZEV drivers are made aware of ZEV charging through apps in their vehicle, signage can be helpful and creates awareness among yet-to-be ZEV buyers. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI), a federal EV charging program created as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides that highway signage is an authorized use of NEVI funding. Additionally, California’s Clean Transportation Program provides planning grants to local governments for ZEV infrastructure planning and authorizes installation of signage for previously installed chargers.

Caltrans has published a ZEV charging station sign installation guide which includes model signage that has been approved by the MUTCD (see below). Moreover, Caltrans has an existing program which places signs on highways when requested by a local government, or when the CEC identifies a need for signs, at no cost to the requestor. As of September 2022 about 230 signs have been installed on freeways.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/8/23)

California Electric Transportation Coalition
California Hydrogen Coalition

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/8/23)

None received

Prepared by: Randy Chinn / TRANS. / (916) 651-4121

5/10/23 15:29:02

**** END ****

1. Consumer Report; January/February 2022 survey on battery electric vehicles. Question 8: What would prevent you from buying/leasing an electric vehicle? 61% of respondents indicated charging logistics. Other major reasons cited include driving range (55%) and cost of ownership (52%). ↑

2. J.D. Power U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study, August 17, 2022. ↑

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Senator Lena Gonzalez, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: Hearing Date: 4/25/2023

SUBJECT:

DIGEST: This bill requires the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to develop and design light-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) charging and fueling station signage to be placed along state highways.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Requires Caltrans to adopt rules and regulations prescribing uniform standards for all traffic control devices, including signs and markings, known as the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). All traffic control devices must conform to these standards. (Vehicle Code Section 21400)
2. Establishes, through Executive Order, a goal of the State that 100 percent of in-state sales of new passenger cars and trucks will be zero-emission by 2035, that 100 percent of medium-and heavy-duty vehicles in the State be zero-emission by 2045 for all operations where feasible and by 2035 for drayage trucks. (EO N-79-20)

This bill requires Caltrans, in coordination with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and the California Energy Commission (CEC), to develop and design light-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) charging and fueling station signage to be placed along state highways.

COMMENTS:

1. Author’s Statement. “SB 30 will require ZEV charging station signage to be placed along state highways. This signage will inform drivers where they can charge their electric vehicles or fuel up their hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. SB 30 will also build awareness for non-ZEV motorists by bringing ZEV infrastructure to the forefront of their minds, helping eliminate range anxiety during daily driving routes and trips throughout the state. SB 30 strives to increase confidence in California’s ever-growing ZEV station infrastructure. Adding more ZEVs on the road will improve public health and the environment and adding refueling station signs will help the state meet its transportation goals and help boost local economic development.”
2. Falling Far Behind. Adequate charging infrastructure is essential to achieving our EV deployment goals. A recent survey by Consumer Reports found that concerns about charging logistics (e.g. where and when an EV can be recharged) was the most cited barrier for potential EV buyers^[1]. Similarly, a recent JD Power study found increasing dissatisfaction with EV charging among EV owners, noting that public charging continues to provide challenges to overall EV adoption and current EV owners alike^[2].
3. Be Aware. There is increasing awareness of the need to deploy more ZEV charging and to better inform drivers of ZEV charging availability. While most ZEV drivers are made aware of ZEV charging through apps in their vehicle, signage can be helpful and creates awareness among yet-to-be ZEV buyers. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI), a federal EV charging program created as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides that highway signage is an authorized use of NEVI funding. Additionally, California’s Clean Transportation Program provides planning grants to local governments for ZEV infrastructure planning and authorizes installation of signage for previously installed chargers.

Caltrans has published a ZEV charging station sign installation guide which includes model signage that has been approved by the MUTCD (see below). Moreover, Caltrans has an existing program which places signs on highways when requested by a local government, or when the CEC identifies a need for signs, at no cost to the requestor. As of September 2022 about 230 signs have been installed on freeways. Given these ongoing efforts, it is not clear what additional effect this bill will have.

Related Legislation:

None

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

Unknown

POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.)

SUPPORT:

California Electric Transportation Coalition

California Hydrogen Coalition

OPPOSITION:

None received

-- END --

1. Consumer Report; January/February 2022 survey on battery electric vehicles. Question 8: What would prevent you from buying/leasing an electric vehicle? 61% of respondents indicated charging logistics. Other major reasons cited include driving range (55%) and cost of ownership (52%). ↑

2. J.D. Power U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study, August 17, 2022. ↑