Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

What is happening? A solar powered RV is here. It has a backup charging port just in case. Why is this important? The Stella Vita, is the first entirely self-sufficient camping car. How will this be important? Stella Vita is promotes cleaner travel and demonstrate the potential of green living. Thred. | Dutch students build […]

What is happening? San Francisco leaders are pushing ordinances that will prohibit e-scooters on sidewalks, and if scooters are on sidewalks- no more scooters for you, all of you! Why is this important? San Francisco wants all e-scooters to have anti-sidewalk devices installed. Like geofencing that inhibits use of the scooter on a sidewalk. How […]

What is happening? Minneapolis joined Los Angeles and Long Beach in the Ship It to Zero resolution that calls for a carbon neutrality goal for shipping. Because there is limited carbon neutral cargo ships currently, the resolutions looks to create an accelerated timeline for fossil fuel-free shipping, thereby allowing policymakers to “spur research, generate demand, […]

What is happening? The federal Infrastructure law of 2021 included $500 million in grants under the SMART Program, Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation. Entities that can apply include: States, local governments, tribes, toll authorities,  transit agencies, and metropolitan planning organizations.  Why is this important? The program will include $100 million in grants annually for 5 […]

What is happening? The federal government has approved EV charger plans for 35 states, including D.C. and Puerto Rico. This means that federal funding can start flowing to get their EV charger plans under way. Why is this important? Texas did not make the cut. Texas and the other 16 jurisdictions have until the end […]

What is happening? Cruise robotaxi service will launch in Austin and Phoenix before the end of 2022. Why is this important? Cruise has been operating in San Francisco in certain areas of the city between 10 p.m. and 5:30 a.m., allowing for quicker expansion into new cities more quickly. How will this be important? 2023 […]

What is happening? State transportation officials are hesitant about rural EV Chargers. Why is this important? Many stretches of rural highways have no gas stations, homes, or electricity for hundreds of miles. States are asking for alternatives like chargers at national parks, state parks, and longer distances between chargers in rural areas. How will this […]

What is happening? The Pennsylvania Turnpike is opting for solar energy to power its maintenance and office buildings, but the big goal is to use solar-generated power to electrify portions of the toll road so electric vehicles can charge as they travel. Why is this important? Charging without stopping is an EV owner’s dream. How […]

What is happening? California has adopted a policy that all cars should be electric or hydrogen powered by 2035. California’s emission standards have been adopted by 17 states. Why is this important? What do the 17 states do now? Do they follow California? How will this be important? California has long be the defect standard, […]

What is happening? 38 state attorneys general, from R and D states but not from TX states, signed a letter asking for state regulatory authority over airline travel complaints. Why is this important? A shallow labor market and many new, untrained hires, has made flying the friendly skies an oasis of lost bags and scheduling […]