On Wednesday, 17 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Quebec announced an action plan to accelerate electric truck and bus adoption.
The plan, the Multi-State Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) initiative would help fight rising diesel exhaust pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by implementing a wide array of strategies, officials said. Coordinated through the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), the coalition created the plan which includes more than 65 strategies and policy recommendations to accelerate medium- and heavy-duty vehicle adoption including vehicle sales and purchase requirements, vehicle and infrastructure purchase incentive, utility investment in charging infrastructure, deployment of public charging stations, innovative financing mechanisms and workforce development programs.
“New York continues to act on climate within our state and with multistate partners to reach our ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “By working together with states and Canadian jurisdictions to advance efforts to transition to zero- emission vehicles, including the recent adoption of the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, we are moving all of our communities to a healthier, greener future.”
Officials said the plan was informed by engagement with partners and stake holders, including national equity and environmental justice organizations and community-based groups who help shape the plan, including its recommendation for community engagement, implementing community air monitoring programs and supporting health and economic equity for community residents and workers. The plan focuses on the need for a just and equitable transition for communities and workers, officials said.