California is fast tracking the statewide transition to a fully zero-emission transportation system by 2035 with billions in potential funding opportunities and incentives.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) is approving a four-year plan to fund zero-emissions infrastructure projects around the state. The historic investment, allocated through the CEC’s tenured Clean Transportation Program, will include up to $1.4 billion in funding opportunities to deploy electric-based charging and hydrogen-based fueling infrastructure and vehicles, especially in California’s historically underserved communities.
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The funding will help establish a robust network of charging stations for light-, medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles, as well as hydrogen refueling stations, with the goal of making California home to the largest and most accessible EV infrastructure network in the United States.
At least 50% of the funding will support projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities to address the environmental and health impacts of air pollution in areas that have been historically overlooked.
The plan intends to add approximately 17,000 light duty-chargers to the state’s already vast electrified network, advancing CEC’s goal of 250,000 chargers in the next few years. The commission anticipates this plan will also spur further private investments into home chargers in addition to the constantly expanding public network.
CEC’s investment plan will prioritize the equitable distribution of benefits from the transition to zero-emission transportation. Californians will have access to thousands of dollars in rebates and incentives for purchasing electric vehicles, seeking to help to make transportation alternatives more affordable for all.
Outside of alternative fueling technology, CEC will offer funding opportunities for workforce training, development programs and clean medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in construction, public transit, schools and other industries.
Over the next four years, CEC will make funding opportunities available to businesses, non-profit organizations, tribes and public agencies as the plan continues to be formalized. These competitive grant opportunities through this historic investment will be offered to eligible entities to further expand California’s expansive recharging and refueling network.
More information on the program and ways to get involved can be found on CEC’s program website.
Since its inception, the Clean Transportation Program has invested nearly $2.3 billion in projects that support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, hydrogen- and electric-based fuels and vehicular innovations. Already, California leads the country for all new electric vehicles sales with 30% of sales in the U.S. happening in the state, according to CEC officials.
CEC’s plan for the program also contributes to the broader $48 billion California Climate Commitment, a state-led initiative designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change and foster economic growth through clean energy and transportation. Of the total funding, more than $10 billion is earmarked for zero-emission vehicles and their associated infrastructure.
The recently extended Clean Transportation Program, formerly known as the Alternative and Renewable Fuels and Vehicle Technology Program, will continue to finance transportation infrastructure projects through 2035. CEC will announce funding opportunities and allocations beyond this four-year plan in the future.
Image by Goran Horvat from Pixabay
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