ICYMI: Experts celebrate the EPA’s new rules’ impact on the EV market

On June 8th, Clean Energy for America hosted a webinar to applaud and discuss the new set of long-awaited protections from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for heavy-duty and light-duty emission vehicles (EVs). Throughout the discussion, experts delved into the positive impact of the highly anticipated rules on the marketplace for electric vehicles, as well as the benefits for marginalized communities that disproportionately bear the brunt of many environmental injustices. 

Moderated by Katherine Garcia of Sierra Club, the webinar featured Trisha Dello Iacano of CalStart, Adam Browning of Forum Mobility, and Aaron Isenstadt of the International Council on Clean Transportation.

The transportation sector currently stands as the largest emitter of carbon pollution. “These EPA rules really create a vital opportunity to combat the climate crisis,” explained Dello Iacano.

Rules like these can accelerate the electrification of America’s roadways. They already have: Regarding electric semi-trucks “there are [currently] 4 million in operation in the U.S,” while there were only 45 this time last year, stated Browning. 

The progress speaks to the success of President Biden’s Affordable Clean Energy Plan: “With the incentives that are available now federally and through the State, we can provide an independent owner, operator, or small fleet with a brand new truck plus all the charging it could take at a competitive price to Diesel [Trucks],” stated Browning. 

But, there is more work to be done; the panelists agreed in calling for more legislative action from the states. “We are in such early days that we also need complementary state action to help mature the technology,” said Isenstadt.  

They also emphasized that the goal of advancing equity through EV adoption must not become lost among federal electrification efforts. Low-income communities and “communities of color often live closest to highways and bear the greatest brunt of vehicle pollution,” stated Garcia. 

A good start, the panelists agreed in their description of the EPA’s protections, but of course, more is necessary when the dangers of pollution, and the gains of green jobs and savings, are so high. Down the road, additional strong rules “will create numerical opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers that specialize in clean truck technologies,” said Dello Iacano.

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