Capital District Times

Washington, D.C. – On June 7, 2023, the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) and the bicameral Electrification Caucus partnered to showcase the market readiness and diverse technology available to accelerate the transition to medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs). This event corresponds with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) current open public comment period for the proposed rulemaking on Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles Phase 3, as well as its proposed rulemaking for light- and medium-duty vehicles.

At the event, SEEC and Electrification Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Paul Tonko (NY) along with fellow Electrification Caucus Co-Chair Sen. Martin Heinrich (NM) gave remarks.

“With America’s transportation sector accounting for the largest source of carbon pollution, the health and well-being of our communities and planet demand us to invest strongly in zero emission vehicles,” said Congressman Tonko. “Thanks to the EV investments in our Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this burgeoning industry will only continue growing, which will directly translate to more quality, good paying jobs and a stronger, more resilient economy. I’m proud to join my SEEC and Electrification Caucus colleagues in helping put us on the path to curb climate change and steer our nation towards a better, brighter, clean energy future.”

“From passenger sedans all the way up to semi-trucks — it’s clear: EVs are market ready right now,” said Senator Heinrich. “As Co-Chair of the Electrification Caucus, I’m proud to have helped secure major investments in the Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act that have accelerated the adoption of American-made EVs to address the climate crisis and lower costs for Americans. The cleaner, healthier, and zero-emission transportation future is right in front of us – we need to keep our foot on the accelerator.”

The trucking industry is a leading source of air pollution and climate warming emissions. Medium- and heavy-duty trucks that support the shipping, freight, and delivery industries are a major source of harmful greenhouse gases, smog-forming pollution, particulate matter, and air toxins. Fortunately, zero-emission technology is available today for electric trucks, vans, delivery vehicles, and buses that will help cut emissions to save lives and address the climate crisis.

Last Congress, Congressman Tonko and Senator Heinrich championed the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes a Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit, with up to $7,500 for light- and medium-duty vehicles and up to $40,000 for heavy-duty vehicles. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $7.5 billion to build a national EV charging network, $10 billion in clean transportation networks, and over $7 billion in EV battery components, critical minerals, and materials.

Original source can be found here.