Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
NATIONWIDE – Today, Uber announced a commitment to reach 100% electric vehicle rides by 2030 in the US, Canada, and Europe, and by 2040 for the rest of the world. In June, ride-hailing company Lyft committed to 100% electric vehicle rides on its platform by 2030.
Right now, ride-hailing generates 70 percent more pollution than the trips it displaces in the United States. In response, the Sierra Club has mobilized its supporters to pressure ride-hailing companies Lyft and Uber to double down on their sustainability efforts by making zero-emission vehicles more accessible to drivers and more available to riders; to stop advertising car-promoting, anti-transit ad campaigns; and to work in meaningful collaboration with transit agencies to promote transit ridership.
In response, Rebekah Whilden, a campaign representative with Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign, released the following statement:
"We applaud the tens of thousands of activists across the country whose work and tireless efforts led to Uber’s commitment to 100% electric vehicle rides by 2030. Their work will result in ensuring communities across the nation have access to cleaner air.
“While Uber’s commitment states that it will work with drivers to make the transition more cost-effective and profitable for them, we know that we can’t let up the pressure to see this commitment through in a way that benefits drivers. We need all hands on deck from companies to tackle pollution, combat the climate crisis, and commit to equitable labor standards."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.