The California Energy Commission announced that it has approved a plan to invest $1.9 billion through 2027 in projects aimed at expanding infrastructure for zero-emission vehicles and transportation, including building an electric vehicle charging network and hydrogen refueling.
Transportation, including fuel production, is responsible for about half of California's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 80% of the state's air pollutants. California has set a goal for the transportation sector to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 and has adopted rules that include requirements that all sales of new cars, trucks and SUVs in the state be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) by 2035, and end the sale of medium and heavy combustion trucks by 2036.
The newly approved plan outlines expected investments for the California Energy Commission's Clean Transportation Program, which funds innovation and the development and deployment of zero-emission fuel and transportation technologies to support energy, clean air and change goals. climate of the state.
Investments under the plan through 2027 include more than $1 billion for battery-electric and zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell truck and bus infrastructure, more than $650 million for light electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and U.S. $130 million for zero-emission port infrastructure, as well as $46 million for emerging opportunities and $5 million for zero-emission vehicle workforce development. CEC added that at least 50% of investments will benefit priority populations, including disadvantaged or low-income communities.
According to CEC, the new investment plan will enable 40,000 new chargers across the state, significantly expanding the existing network of 94,000 chargers and supporting the state's expectation of reaching 250,000 chargers in the coming years.
Projects supported by the investments will include direct incentives and rebate programs for businesses, nonprofits, tribes and public agencies.
Patty Monahan, CEC Chief Transportation Commissioner, said:
“We need to make sure this is a zero-emission refueling infrastructure for everyone. By investing a large portion of the funds to benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities, the State is ensuring that communities most in need have better access to chargers and less pollution from trucks and buses.”
