On July 14, a bipartisan group of governors representing 15 states from across the nation and the District of Columbia spoke in unison committing to zero-out [greenhouse gas emissions] from medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses by 2050.

By signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU), a diverse mix of states that includes California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington as well as the District of Columbia agreed to work collaboratively to move from dirty fossil fuel trucks towards zero-emission electric vehicles.

The MOU, organized by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), calls for 30 percent of new truck and bus sales to be zero-emission by 2030 and 100 percent zero-emission by 2050.

These states collectively account for almost 50 percent of the U.S. economy and nearly 40 percent of goods moved by truck (by value).

[Note: This is different from the Regional Transportation Climate Initiative for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all transportation sources.  Read more here.]

Under the MOU, states will work together to accelerate the medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle market with input from stakeholders, including frontline communities, public health experts, organized labor, utilities, businesses, manufacturers, and environmental groups.

To meet these targets, key policies are identified in the MOU for states to consider, including the [California]  Advanced Clean Truck Rule and investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

[The MOU says the states will work together to achieve these goals through the existing Multi-State ZEV Task Force.

[Within six months, the Task Force will develop a multi-state action plan to identify barriers and propose solutions to support widespread electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (Zero Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Action Plan).

[In developing the Action Plan, the Task Force shall give consideration, as appropriate, to the need for:

-- Financial vehicle and infrastructure incentives;

-- Non-financial vehicle and infrastructure incentives;

-- Actions to encourage public transit and public fleet zero emission MHDV deployment;

-- Effective infrastructure deployment strategies;

-- Funding sources and innovative financing models to support incentives and other market-enabling programs;

-- Leveraging environmental and air quality benefits associated with adoption of the California Advanced Clean Trucks rule under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act;

-- Coordinated outreach and education to public and private MHDV fleet managers;

-- Utility actions to promote zero emission MHDVs, such as electric distribution system planning, beneficial rate design and investment in “make-ready” charging infrastructure;

-- Measures to foster electric truck use in densely populated areas;

-- Addressing vehicle weight restrictions that are barriers to zero emission MHDV deployment;

-- Uniform standards and data collection requirements; and

-- Any other initiative the Task Force deems appropriate.

[In developing the Action Plan, the Task Force shall consult with and solicit input from key partners and stakeholders.]

The plan the states develop will serve as a roadmap to increase electric vehicle supply, encourage zero-emission vehicle purchases, and establish a supportive ecosystem comprised of a trained workforce, charging infrastructure, and financing tools.

The agreement’s ambition matches the challenge and sends a clear message: zero-emission electric trucks and buses are the future.

A copy of the MOU is available online.

Click Here to read the complete announcement by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

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-- Exelon Foundation Awards First Grants In Climate Change Investment Initiative, Including 5 To Benefit PA; New Applications Being Accepted

-- CFA Awards $10.9 Million To Support Clean Energy Projects In 8 Counties

-- Northampton Community College Awarded Grant To Help PA Ag Producers, Small Businesses Access Renewable Energy

-- Study In Philadelphia Links Growth In Tree Canopy To Decrease In Human Mortality

Related Articles - Climate:

-- Senate Passes Clean Vehicle Infrastructure Bill, Now Moves To House

-- DEP Unveils Plan To Increase Electric Vehicle Use In Pennsylvania

-- Senate Hearing: DEP - No Decision Made On Joining Regional Transportation Climate Initiative Reducing Vehicle Carbon Dioxide Emissions

-- DEP Offers First-Come, First-Served Fast Charging, Hydrogen Fueling Grants Under Driving PA Forward

[Posted: July 14, 2020]

7/20/2020