IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 9, 2023

How do we equitably spend billions of federal clean transportation investments?

A new report from a nationwide coalition of transportation stakeholders defines key actions that will deliver more federal benefits faster to communities harmed most by vehicle pollution


WASHINGTON - A new report uses real-world case studies to support its recommendations for how the Biden Administration and funding recipients can best spend the $1.2 trillion in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the $500 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to support a more equitable, cleaner, healthier, and more affordable pollution-free, electric transportation future. The report recommendations are defined through the Coalition Helping America Rebuild and Go Electric (CHARGE) coalition’s principles, which were developed in partnership with 50 of the most influential clean transportation stakeholder groups in the country.

The report examines three arenas where federal policy and investment can ensure that the benefits of pollution-free transportation will improve the health and economic well-being of the largest number of people:

  • Public transit: Suggestions to reduce climate pollution from transit while improving service and air quality. Increasing public transit investments into operations, e-fleets, reliability, maintenance facilities, and workforce development will increase the number of transit riders using this low-carbon transportation option.

  • Electric vehicle charging infrastructure: Recommendations to ensure our emerging charging network is developed to be seamless and efficient, supports all types of mobility, is located strategically, and effectively serves people in multi-unit dwellings as well as stand-alone houses, as well as car-share, rental and business fleets.

  • Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles: The report looks at opportunities to spur the conversion of our most polluting vehicles to zero emissions, reducing carbon while sparing the health of all Americans, especially for low-income and communities of color that are disproportionately harmed by air pollution from diesel-powered vehicles.

To achieve the future transportation system we desire with these investments, the report concludes that we must have smart and interconnected policies that build on those investments and fill gaps to ensure no one is left out of new transportation electrification advancements. This includes recommendations for how the IIJA and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) should work together holistically to support those communities impacted most by vehicle pollution. The case studies in the report offer examples of initiatives deserving of federal support and that can serve as national models. And, it includes additional topics to consider in electrifying our transportation system, including the rise of micromobility – e-bikes, scooters, and myriad other battery-powered devices – and the need to make significant investments in our electric grid.

HEAR FROM CHARGE COALITION MEMBERS

Beth Osborne, director of transportation for America:

"Electrifying America's vehicles is essential but insufficient for us to reach our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. The CHARGE report points the way toward integrating electrification and smart growth strategies to meet the targets and accomplish many other goals like making our communities stronger, greener, more affordable and healthier."

Chris Sandvig; Executive Director, Mobilify Southwestern Pennsylvania (Mobilify):

“Mobilify Southwestern PA is a regional nonprofit that is focused in improving the quality of life in the Pittsburgh region. Our education, advocacy, and technical assistance approach seeks to democratize transportation by lifting up more accessible, cleaner, equitable modes that allow diverse communities to thrive. We focus on reducing transportation’s GHG footprint through a balanced energy and mode shift away from private autos. IIJA and IRA could be pivotal because they affirm and espouse that philosophy, but smart, bold leadership is needed to ensure that the most vulnerable Americans benefit from these monumental bills. CHARGE provides suggestions toward that end in three primary areas. Particularly with regard to medium/heavy-duty vehicles and public transit – where transportation most directly impacts the health and wellbeing of marginalized communities – can help set the stage towards bold implementation. Mobilify is proud to be part of the CHARGE coalition and we look forward to further efforts within the coalition and federal government.”

Katherine Stainken, vice president of policy, Electrification Coalition:

“2022 was a monumental year for federal EV legislation, but at the Electrification Coalition, we recognize that the real work is just beginning. The policies and programs recommended in this report will ensure that we maintain this historical momentum behind transportation electrification. We look forward to working with our partners at CHARGE to bring them to fruition.”     

Sam Herr, executive director of the North American Bikeshare & Scootershare Association:

“Leveraging federal investments toward more environmentally sustainable transportation requires a holistic, multi-modal approach to attain our climate goals. When we think about electrifying transportation and creating more sustainable mobility options for the future, electric shared micromobility— e-bikes and e-scooters— is an important piece of that puzzle. Importantly, the CHARGE recommendations include this perspective, so that as we enhance our electric grid, we are thinking and building not only for cars, but also for electric bikes, scooters, buses, and other electric modes, and creating meaningful connections between them for people to get to where they need to go.” 

Ann Mesnikoff, Federal Legislative Director at the Environmental Law & Policy Center:

“Between the IIJA and the IRA we have numerous opportunities for jump-starting transportation electrification, but the work is just getting started. From getting clean electric school buses for kids who need them the most in the Midwest and across the country to ensuring we have the transit and charging network that will meet all communities’ needs, this CHARGE report lays out some key policies and actions that will help meet our climate goals and deliver a transportation system that works for all.” 

Jes Olson, vice president, policy, CALSTART:

“With a global consortium of more than 300 technology, government, industry, and community partners, CALSTART works to accelerate the commercialization and deployment of advanced technologies and solutions. CALSTART is on the leading edge of creating innovative development and deployment partnerships that accelerate the commercialization and adoption of clean transportation technology. Through policy development, incentive program administration, and first-of-its-kind deployment partnerships, CALSTART has designed and managed programs that drive the market for clean transportation technologies needed to achieve critical greenhouse gas and critical greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant reduction goals.

The incentives included in both the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are critical to growing the clean transportation industry, increasing jobs, and addressing the climate crisis. CALSTART supports the principles outlined in the CHARGE report and looks forward to working with our members and partners to accelerate the transition to a zero-emission transportation future.”

Leilani Gonzalez, Policy Director, Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA):

“The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act lay the foundation for the future of electric transportation. It is essential that these investments are made thoughtfully to ensure that all Americans are able to experience the economic, public health, and environmental benefits that come with EV adoption. ZETA is proud to have contributed to this report, and is committed to the equitable distribution of clean transportation investment.

Advancing the adoption of electric vehicles and enhancing charging infrastructure to serve every community requires a collaborative approach across every market segment.  It cannot be limited to highways and single occupant vehicles – instead, it must be viewed through the lens of transportation equity as well as inclusivity and affordability for the stakeholders who need it most. 

Our members plan, design, and manage parking assets across the nation and the globe – and those operators and owners of parking facilities are primed and ready to work as a team with current and potential partners with two broad goals. First, to ensure that planned efforts to maximize EVSE implementation and utilization are successful.  Secondly, to offer fair and equitable access the full spectrum of multi-modal transportation, including micro-mobility modes and individual EV drivers as well as fleets and large-scale operations.” 

Rachel Yoka, chief strategy officer, CAPP, LEED AP, International Parking & Mobility Institute:

“Advancing the adoption of electric vehicles and enhancing charging infrastructure to serve every community requires a collaborative approach across every market segment.  It cannot be limited to highways and single occupant vehicles – instead, it must be viewed through the lens of transportation equity as well as inclusivity and affordability for the stakeholders who need it most. 

Our members plan, design, and manage parking assets across the nation and the globe – and those operators and owners of parking facilities are primed and ready to work as a team with current and potential partners with two broad goals. First, to ensure that planned efforts to maximize EVSE implementation and utilization are successful.  Secondly, to offer fair and equitable access the full spectrum of multi-modal transportation, including micro-mobility modes and individual EV drivers as well as fleets and large-scale operations.

IPMI supports the values, process, and recommendations in this landmark report. As a proud partner and member of the CHARGE Coalition, IPMI is committed to the Coalition and its work to advance these goals and advocate for long-term solutions that contribute to healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable mobility ecosystems that benefit us all.”