5 Billion for Transition to Cleaner Heavy-duty Vehicles

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a groundbreaking national goal of achieving a zero-emissions freight sector, targeting trucks, rail, aviation, and marine transportation, in a move to tackle air pollution and combat the climate crisis. With the freight movement being a major contributor to local air pollution and emissions, this ambitious strategy aims to protect the health of communities, especially those disproportionately affected by pollution near freight routes.

The transportation sector is responsible for a significant portion of climate pollution in the United States, with trucks and buses alone accounting for nearly a quarter of emissions in the sector. To address this, President Biden's Investing in America agenda has already garnered $165 billion in private sector investments towards zero-emission vehicle technologies.

Building on this momentum, the Biden-Harris Administration is now introducing a comprehensive nationwide approach to transition to a zero-emissions freight sector. The strategy includes federal investments, continuous engagement with stakeholders for zero-emissions freight infrastructure, and forthcoming action plans for each freight segment. Prioritizing the reduction of air pollution hotspots and addressing the climate crisis, the strategy will mobilize government resources while ensuring public participation and meaningful community engagement, furthering the commitment to environmental justice.

This commitment to achieving a zero-emissions freight system is aligned with President Biden's goals of a carbon pollution-free energy sector by 2035 and achieving net-zero emissions from the transportation sector by 2050. The Administration also intends to collaborate with other countries to achieve a 30% market share for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by 2030 and 100% market share by 2040.

As part of this initiative, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing a funding opportunity of nearly $1 billion through the Inflation Reduction Act for cities, states, and Tribal Nations to transition Class 6 and Class 7 heavy-duty vehicles, including school buses, trash trucks, and delivery trucks, to zero-emission vehicles. The funding will support the development of the necessary charging, fueling, and maintenance infrastructure for these vehicles and provide workforce development and training opportunities.

Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced an initial $400 million investment as part of the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities Grant Program. This program aims to enhance air quality and reduce pollution for truck drivers, port workers, and communities residing near ports. Furthermore, the Department of Energy (DOE) will invest $72 million to establish the "SuperTruck: Charged" program, which will demonstrate the integration of vehicle-grid infrastructure at depots and truck stops, making charging more affordable and reliable while bolstering grid resiliency.

In the effort to accelerate the transition to a zero-emissions freight ecosystem, the Biden-Harris Administration is bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, including commercial truck fleets, ports, vehicle manufacturers, state and local governments, utilities, and environmental justice organizations. This engagement will foster collaboration and propel the buildout of the necessary infrastructure for zero-emissions freight.

These announcements build upon the Administration's existing work, such as the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, and heavy-duty vehicle regulations aimed at reducing emissions from the freight system. The Administration's commitment to environmental justice is also highlighted, with a focus on engaging communities affected by air pollution and addressing disparities in ambient air quality.

President Biden and Vice President Harris are dedicated to ensuring clean air and healthy communities for all Americans. Through ongoing efforts like the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to allocate 40% of benefits from federal climate and clean energy investments to disadvantaged communities, the Administration is striving for real progress and meaningful change.

With the launch of a national zero-emissions freight strategy and significant investments in cleaner heavy-duty vehicles, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking bold steps toward a greener and more sustainable future for the freight sector in the United States.