Just another WordPress site
What is happening? The Biden Administration wants to boost major bus and rail projects in six states: NY, NJ, CA, TX, WA & TN.
Why is this important? The funding is for projects far enough in the pipeline to be up and running with the extra federal funds.
How will this be important? Included in the projects is a San Antonio rail expansion to service the airport.
Route Fifty | The Big Local Transit Projects the Biden Administration Wants to Fund
What is happening? Washington State’s budget includes:
Why is this important? A January Executive Order by the Governor required that ferries move to net zero carbon emission.
How will this be important? By reducing diesel use by ferries, Washington will reduce emissions by up to 53% by 2030 and 76% by 2040.
The Chronicle | Inslee Signs Transportation Package Into Law With Funding for New Electric Ferries
What is happening? Colorado is considering SB- 180 (2022 | CO) that would offer free transit rides during the summer to reduce emissions.
Why is this important? Colorado energy office will control the programs and offer grants to the regional transportation district & transit associations to provide free transit services for at least 30 days during ozone season.
How will this be important? Concerns raised by local transit agencies: the ability to hire drivers & the ability to deal with local increases in crimes at transit stops.
CPR | A new Colorado bill would fund free transit rides in the summer to help improve air quality
What is happening? An American Lung Association report, Zeroing in on Healthy Air, theorizes all cars are EV by 2035, all trucks by 2040 and petrochemical plants continue.
Why is this important? The American Lung Assoc. report found Houston, TX would have public health benefits by reducing asthma rates and sick days, and preventing premature deaths. In New Hampshire the prediction is a savings of $3.9 billion in public health benefits and preventing 356 early deaths.
How will this be important? The US estimates are $1 trillion in savings and prevention of more than 3000 premature deaths.
Government Technology | Report: Electric Vehicle Use Will Save Lives, Money
What is happening? A new statewide ride share bill in Washington State will include sick pay, guaranteed minimum ride fee to drivers and complaint appeals process.
Why is this important? These requirements are being added onto mandatory background checks, workers compensation access, and licensing requirements.
How will this be important? Drivers will not be considered employees. It’s a meet in the middle approach.
What is happening? The Florida Sentinel used a Vehicle Cost Calculator website operated by the U.S. Department of Energy to determine the cost per week of an EV, a hybrid and a gas vehicle. The least cost per week? The EV.
Why is this important? The all-electric Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus rear-wheel drive cost $5.40 per week. The plug-in hybrid, Honda Clarity, cost $6.99 per week (in the test, the hybrid never needed its gas reserve). The traditional hybrid, Toyota Avalon XLE Hybrid was $20 per week and did access its gas reserve. The gas-only Lexus ES 250 consumed eight gallons a week at a cost of $34.40 per week.
How will this be important? The impact of rising gas prices on the EV sales market.
Governing | How Much Cheaper Is an EV or Hybrid Compared to a Gas Vehicle?
What is happening? Kirkland Washington has adopted a temporary ban on Amazon’s small autonomous delivery robots. The community just isn’t ready yet.
Why is this important? Local leaders want answers to: safety, zoning around the device dispensers and how residents feel about the delivery robots
How will this be important? State law in Washington limits speed (currently 6mph) and size of autonomous vehicle. Other limitations include: The devices must be under 120 pounds and have a braking system and a way for a worker to remotely control navigation and movement. The delivery robots can’t transport hazardous materials or alcohol.
Seattle Times via Governing | Kirkland Enacts Moratorium on Amazon’s Autonomous Delivery
What is happening? New Jersey this week announced $1 Million in grants to install EV chargers at 24 designated tourist areas across the state.
Why is this important? Range Anxiety. Rising gas prices due to Russia’s invasion into the Ukraine.
How will this be important? The cooperation between New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities and its transportation agency, NJ Transit. Cities and states across the c country are following suit: NYC; Portland Maine, Bellingham Washington; Saginaw Michigan; and Charlotte North Carolina.
AP | As gas prices rise, towns add electric car charging stations
What is happening? ChargePoint, Volvo and Starbucks are partnering to install EV Chargers at Starbucks locations. It’ll be 15 charging stations, 60 plugs, across 5 states.
Why is this important? The project will cover a 1,350-mile route that stretches from Seattle to Denver
How will this be important? The program is like the Volkswagen partnership with its Electrify America that installs chargers at Walmart and Target.
The Verge | Volvo and ChargePoint will build EV charging stations at Starbucks in 5 states
What is happening? Universal Hydrogen is opening a manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, N.M., to power passenger aircraft with hydrogen capsules
Why is this important? NM is part of a multi state Memorandum of Understanding to support the area being a hydrogen hub
How will this be important? The company’s mission is to “decarbonize aviation.”
Governing | New Mexico’s Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Plant Will Employ 500