November 8, 2022 Ballot Prop. 30

Proposition 30: Zero-Emissions Vehicles and Wildfire Prevention Initiative

Official Results

Available once the California Secretary of State has certified the election. This can take up to 3 weeks or more.

Yes votes: 4,560,429 (42.4%)

No votes: 6,203,769 (57.6%)

Proposition 30 requires taxpayers with incomes above $2 million each year (annually) to pay an additional tax of 1.75 percent on the share of their income above $2 million. This additional tax would begin January 2023 and end by January 2043. The tax could end earlier if California is able to drop its statewide greenhouse gas emissions below certain levels before then.

The money from this tax would be put into a special fund that is separate from the General Fund. Proposition 30 requires that approximately eighty percent (80%) of the revenue from the new tax go to increasing funding for Zero Electric Vehicle (or ZEVs) programs to help households, businesses, and governmental agencies and rideshare companies to buy new ZEVs and install fueling infrastructure, such as charging stations for electric cars.  The remaining twenty percent (20%) of the revenue would go towards funding wildfire prevention and response activities. The money would go to several state agencies to manage the programs and activities.

This measure was put on the ballot by petition signatures.

Fiscal Impact

For a full discussion see the California Legislative Analyst’s Office analysis in the Official Voter Information Guide or on the LAO website.

  • Increased State Tax Revenues From New Tax for ZEV Programs and Wildfire Activities.
  • Potential State and Local Effects From Increased ZEV Spending.
  • Potential Decreased State and Local Costs for Wildfire Response and Recovery
  • Decreased State Revenue for Other Activities
  • Potential Reductions to Other State Programs to Comply With State Spending Limit.

What your vote means

According to the California State Legislative Analyst’s office:

A YES vote on this measure means: Taxpayers would pay an additional tax of 1.75 percent on personal income above $2 million annually. The revenue collected from this additional tax would support zero-emission vehicle programs and wildfire response and prevention activities.

A NO vote on this measure means: No change would be made to taxes on personal income above $2 million annually.

Official Voter Information

Public Opinion

Non-Partisan Resources

Pro/Con Statements

ProCon
Supporters claim that existing programs are insufficient to address California’s poor air quality, which is largely caused by automobile exhaust and wildfire smoke. Prop. 30 taxes only the wealthiest Californians—annual income over $2 million—to fund wildfire prevention and clean air programs; funds forest management, more firefighters, and equipment; helps consumers afford zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs); and creates statewide ZEV charging network.
Opponents do not disagree that California needs support for clean air and wildfire programs, but that Proposition 30 will not accomplish this. Prop. 30 raises taxes by up to $90 billion for as long as 20 years, increasing costs for every Californian. Prop. 30 will severely strain California's struggling electricity grid already at risk of rolling blackouts. Join taxpayers, teachers, and small businesses to reject this unnecessary tax increase. Prop 30 is Lyft’s attempt to get taxpayers to help foot the bill for the requirement to increase the number of ZEVs that are to be used by rideshare companies.
SupportersOpponents
Yes on 30

Topics

Ballot Guide topic page, IGS Library topic page