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What is happening? Washington State is turning into a dichotomy in Electric Vehicles. Voters oppose bans on gas cars and also support EVs.
Why is this important? California and New York have already adopted plans to ban the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035. Washington and Oregon are on track to do the same.
Governing | Washington Drivers Oppose Gas-Car Ban, But EV Demand Remains High
What is happening? On Tuesday West Virginia voters will vote whether to eliminate the tax on inventory and equipment which some say will effectively remove the tax on personal vehicles in West Virginia.
Why is this important? Fun fact, people in West Virginia pay a property tax TWICE A YEAR on their vehicles.
Route Fifty | West Virginia Ballot Measure Has Local Officials ‘Very, Very Nervous’
What is happening? Miami is considering limiting the use of scooters to 6am to 9pm.
Why is this important? Miami has spent 13 months trying to move being scooter pilot programs to permanent scooter rules.
Miami Today | Miami plan would reduce scooters’ hours and numbers
What is happening? There’s a Governors Race in Pennsylvania. Guess which side proposes easing inflation and offering a $250 per car, up to 4 cars per household, without regard for income? Did you guess Republican? Well, you should guess again. The Democrat candidate proposes gas tax rebates.
Why is this important? Transportation costs are center to the conversation of inflation, tax cuts, tax rebates and more.
What is happening? North Carolina Governor issued Executive Order 271, establishing the Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle, to require manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty vehicles to increase the number of their North Carolina fleets zero-emission starting by 2025.
Why is this important? The Executive Order will build upon North Carolina as a (1) national hub for truck and bus manufacturing and supply chain development; (2) improve NC Department of Health & Human Services data gathering for the impact of emissions on communities across the state; and (3) address the disproportionate impact emissions have on communities of color, low-income and rural communities
Governing | North Carolina Governor Paves Way for Electric Trucks, Buses
What is happening? In early 2023, The Federal Highway Administration, is starting a pilot project for wildlife crossings to protect drivers and animals. Projects that get funding will “most effectively reduce motorist-wildlife collisions and that provide better “habitat connectivity,”
Why is this important? “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes $350 million to help improve options for animals to traverse busy roads. The money will be distributed over five years.”
Route Fifty | What to Know About the $350M in New Funding for Wildlife Crossings
What is happening? Orange County (Orlando metro area), FL voters will decide whether to enact a penny cent sales tax to fund transportation upgrades. It is said to generate $600 million per year. 90% would be split evenly between regional transit (bus & commuter rail) and roadway improvements. 10% to cities to spend on transportation projects.
Why is this important? It is being viewed as a way to fund transportation upgrades from tourism.
Governing | Three Transportation Measures to Watch This November
What is happening? California has passed legislation so that all Californians can choose a Digital license plate. The author of the legislation says it is a matter of choice and convenience. AB 984 ( CA | 2022) Opponents are concerned about safety as the digital plate manufacturer collects GPS data, which they say they do not share with law enforcement.
Why is this important? Arizona and Michigan also allow digital license plates for all vehicles. In Texas commercial fleets may use them. 10 other states are considering adopting digital license plates.
NPR | California drivers can now sport digital license plates on their cars
What is happening? The numbers behind the Electric Vehicle manufacturing in the U.S.:
Why is this important? Michigan created an economic development fund to land the GM plant. The fund was created in reaction to Ford choosing Tennessee and Kentucky.
Governing | America’s Billion-Dollar Bidding War for Electric Vehicle Plants
What is happening? Philadelphia is piloting a program for smart loading zones, an app that allows delivery drivers to reserve space in loading zones for delivery. The reservation fee for the smart zones will be $3 per hour and prorated up to one hour.
Why does this matter? The goal of coordinated loading zone deliveries looks to limit traffic interruptions and double parking. Data from the pilot program will also help the city understand how loading zones are used.
Route Fifty | City Tests App for Delivery Drivers to Reserve Spots in Loading Zones