Shaun Miller

California’s adoption of zero-emission vehicle policies will change the transportation landscape over the next two decades, prompting questions about how to adapt revenue structures to preserve transportation infrastructure funding. Gasoline tax revenue is already beginning to decline as the state transitions to electric vehicles. How will the transition impact current transportation infrastructure? How can California best fund the infrastructure of today — and the future? Tune in on Tuesday morning as POLITICO convenes leading lawmakers and industry officials, including UCON's EVP Emily Cohen, to examine the future of transportation infrastructure. RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gubTXKpt

11

California’s goal to build a million electric vehicle (EV) chargers by 2030 presents a daunting challenge due to the immense scale and pace of investment required. Without substantial improvements in funding, permitting processes, and grid upgrades, California risks falling short of its EV infrastructure targets. Ted Lamm, CLEE's associate director, states that "the magnitude of building what California needs in coming years likely dwarfs the public funding available," adding that state and federal programs will “only fund a fraction,” and the state needs to spend that money on lower-income communities. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gah4q7t4

6

Come hear about how leaders are seeing the future of Bay Area public transit and how we can move towards a more accessible, affordable and reliable public transit system!

3

From the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), "The Case for Electric Fleets" includes three case studies that show you why you should consider electrifying your fleet. Case Study 1: Community & Business Benefits In Portland, there is a very underserved, marginalized community of color who have experienced the city's most emissions and worst air conditions for generations. MTRWESTERN, DeSantis Landscapes, and COR Disposal & Recycling are all Portland businesses that operate in these areas and have gone electric, for the betterment of their business and the community it affects. EDF has created a web tool that allows you to plan out how to electrify your fleet. See what it would be like to electrify yours now: https://lnkd.in/dtQSf78j Watch the case study here: https://lnkd.in/eB3FJP6K #ElectrifyYourFleet #ElectricFleet #FleetManagement #EnvironmentalDefenseFund #EV

1

BIG NEWS! Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the approval of over $1.9 billion to support public transportation throughout the state. The funding was approved by CalSTA and is the first wave of funding from the transit recovery package in the 2023-24 state budget. As part of Senate Bill 125 (2023), a total of $5.1 billion will be distributed among regional transportation planning agencies over the course of multiple years. This funding comes with the flexibility to pay for transit operations or capital improvements. The money announced today will go to 22 agencies, with amounts varying based on regional population. Governor Newsom: "This vital funding serves as a lifeline for transit agencies all over the state and helps to advance California’s ambitious, world-leading climate goals. At the same time, we’re adding accountability measures that help put our state’s transit agencies on a path toward long-term stability. Secretary Toks Omishakin: “California’s commitment to public transit is unwavering, and with billions more in funding in the pipeline – including for zero-emission equipment and operations – we are just getting started in delivering a more sustainable and equitable transit system for the people of California. I thank Governor Newsom and our legislative leaders for continuing to prioritize public transit.” CalSTA anticipates approving additional allocation packages for remaining planning agencies throughout the summer, totaling nearly $500 million. The remaining SB 125 funds will be approved annually through fiscal year 2027-28. https://lnkd.in/g7qTYfas

288

1 Comment

🚆 Historic Strides in Public Transit: The Electrification of Caltrain 🛤️ The electrification of Caltrain is a significant milestone in the evolution of public transit in the United States. Under the guidance of the San Mateo County Transit District, Caltrain has become the most efficient commuter rail service in the country, linking San Francisco, San Mateo County, and San Jose—right in the heart of Silicon Valley. 🚉 This initiative isn’t just a technological upgrade. It’s a foundational element of Silicon Valley’s ongoing success and a product of regional collaboration. Yet, the essential role of San Mateo County in this achievement often goes unnoticed. 🔎 The 'Guest Perspective' highlights just a part of the story of San Mateo County, offering insight into the county’s contributions and the collective effort that has made this transformation possible. 📰 Read More: https://bit.ly/3AqVHZo --- cc: Rosanne Foust, Jim Hartnett #Caltrain #PublicTransit #Electrification #SanMateoCounty #SiliconValley #SustainableTransit #RegionalCollaboration #TransportationInnovation #BayArea

8

The Bay Area has two problems with the same solution: highway congestion and the climate crisis. Both require us to drive less and use other transportation modes more. However, incentivizing people to choose other modes can be a challenge. https://lnkd.in/gDHYahcd #BayAreaTolling #ClimateSmartTransport #EquitableTransit #SustainableMobility #GHGReductionGoals

1

Here were the top 5 stories we published on 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 this week: 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀 The California State Senate Local Government Committee has approved SB 915, allowing local governments to regulate autonomous vehicles. This bill, introduced by State Sen. Dave Cortese, aims to address safety concerns amid recent AV incidents. Proponents hope it will set a precedent for responsible AV deployment. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗸: 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 A routine repair turned into a head-scratcher for Eustis Body Shop when reconnecting a Nissan's battery prompted repeated police visits due to a SiriusXM crash alert. Despite shop efforts, the mystery persisted until Nissan intervened, providing a solution. 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 Six Republican governors jointly oppose the United Auto Workers' (UAW) push to unionize auto plants in their states, citing concerns over potential economic disruption and political affiliations. The statement comes amidst ongoing unionization efforts, particularly at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 Manufacturer incentives doubled in March, resulting in a 1% drop in new vehicle prices compared to last year. Despite a slight decrease in sales from February, 2024 is poised to be a strong year for new vehicle sales. However, high prices continue to limit options for budget-conscious buyers. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗜-𝗖𝗔𝗥 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 I-CAR's recent National Volunteer and Instructor Meeting in Chicago covered key industry topics, including CEO John Van Alstyne's retirement announcement. Discussions also centered on addressing the technician shortage and showcased initiatives like the Collision Careers campaign.

10

Check out this video that highlights Caltrans’ ongoing efforts to help develop the next generation of transportation professionals via our Adopt-A-School Program! #Caltrans #AdoptASchool #Mentorship California State Transportation Agency  Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom

55

#WeekendRead: In an industrial corner of Oakland, wedged between a 10-lane freeway and a freight terminal, sits California’s newest source of renewable energy: a squadron of shiny yellow electric school buses. It’s the first all-electric bus fleet serving a major US school district. Starting in August, the 74 vehicles will also supply 2.1 gigawatt-hours of electricity to the Bay Area power grid, enough energy for 300 to 400 homes. Discover how California's first all-electric school bus fleet is revolutionising renewable energy, read the full article on Energy Connects. #EnergyConnects #energynews #energyindustry #news #oott #renewableenergy #electricvehicles

5

This article takes California to account for not being on track to meet it’s charging goals. https://lnkd.in/gMy2wXZb But there’s a lot that California policymakers can do right now to speed things up! Here’s a roadmap for some nearterm steps to accelerate transportation electrification : → The governor's budget has zeroed out both truck (HVIP) and charging incentives this year.  It’s a tough budget year, but this is going to hurt. →The Low Carbon Fuel Standard provides about $3.5 B annually for low carbon fuels - it’s a great program. However, currently about ~80% goes to biofuels, and credit values are down about 75% from recent averages.  There are some straightforward changes that could be made to have the program better support our in-state electrification goals: https://lnkd.in/gnH2A398 https://lnkd.in/gj2XQgy7 → The California Public Utilities Commission is contemplating pulling back $1B in planned and promised investments to support Transportation Electrification. https://lnkd.in/gcwn-zMY This would increase charging costs for customers, slowing the transition. Calstart’s opening comments: https://lnkd.in/gbXDRXf8 Reply comments: https://lnkd.in/g_ng-SBa Transitioning to zero emission transportation is an incredibly ambitious - and necessary - goal. It’s going to take an all-of-government sustained collaboration to build scale, lower costs, and put the market on a glidepath to a successful transition. California policymakers have done it before with renewable energy, and can do it again with zero emission transportation.

44

5 Comments

The Transit Transformation Task Force, established in 2023 as part of last year’s landmark California state budget deal, promised a new, viable vision for the future of California transit. Association members, eager and ready to lead the way, now serve on the Task Force and are working to provide their critical expertise and recommendations. Here’s how the Task Force started, how discussions are going, and what happens next. https://lnkd.in/gRDqDeDd

12

What’s the condition of California roads? Not great. In the 2022 Infrastructure Report Card, California roads earned a "C-" grade. Read how Dr. DingXin Cheng’s CSUTC-funded research developed an app to help: https://lnkd.in/gTUn9kRm California State University, Chico #potholes #roadwork #infrastructure #potholemanagement

2

Charging and Refueling Infrastructure for Transport in California Provided Along Targeted Highway Segments (CRITICAL PATHS) 2.0 - California Energy Commission (CEC) Release Date: October 21, 2024 Description: This grant offers funding to design, construct, and operate public medium- and heavy-duty (MDHD) zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) hydrogen refueling or electric charging stations along designated priority highway corridors. This aligns with California’s climate goals, including the transition to 100% ZEV MDHD vehicles by 2045. Projects are targeted in disadvantaged or low-income communities. Eligible Applicants: Public and private entities, California Native American Tribes, and California Tribal Organizations serving California Native American Tribes. Note: Investor-owned utilities are not eligible. Ideal Applicant: Organizations with a strong background in MDHD ZEV infrastructure projects, commitment to sustainable practices, and an understanding of California’s regulatory and environmental goals. Applicants are encouraged to partner with MDHD fleet operators and local workforce entities. Ideal Projects: Projects should include MDHD ZEV charging or hydrogen refueling stations along designated freight corridors, serving priority populations. Each location should be within two miles of a corridor off-ramp and allow public access 24/7. Charging stations should support at least 10 high-powered (200 kW) ports, and hydrogen refueling stations should include a minimum of three 700-bar platforms for MDHD vehicles. Evaluation Criteria: Projects are evaluated based on technical feasibility, benefits to priority populations, sustainability, workforce development plans, past performance, project management, and alignment with California’s clean transportation goals. The minimum passing score must be achieved for funding consideration. Funding Amount: Total available: $30 million. Maximum award per project: $10 million (up to 50% of project costs). Minimum award: $5 million per project. Of the $30 million, $6 million is reserved for hydrogen projects, and $24 million can apply to either hydrogen or electric charging projects. Due Dates: Application Submission Deadline: January 15, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.

1