News

In an op-ed in Energy News Network, Samarth Medakkar joins Michigan EIBC President Laura Sherman in writing about the ways Michigan's 2024 budget is set to expand the state's EV infrastructure and how the Gov. Whitmer administration can fully realize its EV goals with that funding.

The shift to electric vehicles is firmly under way in Michigan. Across the Whitmer administration,  the legislature, local and municipal governments and the private sector, a number of initiatives have been launched to make that transition happen. But the next year or so might be the most crucial time to determine the success of those efforts.

Through fiscal year 2026, the state of Michigan is receiving about $110 million in federal funding to realize the state’s plan to build an electric vehicle (EV) charger at least every 50 miles along several highway routes that the state has nominated for the federal government to designate as Alternative Fuel Corridors. These include some of the most well-known and well-traveled routes in the state, like Petoskey to the Mackinac Bridge and Detroit to the Blue Water Bridge. This $110 million comes from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, a U.S. Department of Transportation program created by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

E&E News details new legislation in Texas that threatens to slow wind and solar development in Texas, quoting Micalah Spenrath on the the regulatory environment signaling industry investors in the state.

Texas is a sweet spot for renewable energy deployment, leading the nation in wind energy and second only to California in solar power.

But two years after the electric grid nearly collapsed during a severe winter storm, conservative lawmakers in Texas have proposed a slew of policies that could upend the Lone Star State’s status as a clean energy powerhouse and push renewable energy projects elsewhere.

Polling found that more than half of all Coloradans supported adoption of the ACT rule 

DENVER, CO, April 21, 2023 – National business association Advanced Energy United today applauded the adoption of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule via unanimous vote by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC). Set to take effect in 2027, the ACT rule will require auto manufacturers who produce medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to steadily increase the percentage of zero-emission model sales over time – up to 40-75% by 2035, depending on vehicle type. The rule is designed to spur manufacturers to offer more vehicle options and inventory, as well as provide consumers with more choices.

“In addition to improving air quality for Colorado residents, the Advanced Clean Trucks rule will lower costs for vehicle fleet operators and unlock new, cost-effective options for Colorado businesses,” said Emilie Olson, Colorado state lead at Advanced Energy United, which represents a wide spectrum of companies involved in vehicle production, charging infrastructure, and energy management software. "Small businesses, which have been hit hard by inflation and volatile fuel and supply chain prices, will benefit significantly from this regulation because it will help them switch to vehicles that cost less to operate and maintain.”

WASHINGTON, DC, April 20, 2023 – National business association Advanced Energy United today called on members of Congress to reject efforts to undo portion of the landmark Inflation Reduction Act and instead work together on advancing legislation that will help America transition to electricity and transportation systems powered by 100% clean energy. In response to a newly proposed House of Representatives bill that would scrap portions of the Inflation Reduction Act, Harry Godfrey, Managing Director at Advanced Energy United, released the following statement:

PoliticoPro highlights the path forward for California to meet its transmissions needs, quoting Brian Turner on tightening coordination amongst agencies to address electrification and demand growth.

California will need to add more than $9 billion worth of new transmission infrastructure to avoid blackouts while also meeting clean energy goals, according to a new report from the state’s main grid operator. The draft report released last week by the California Independent System Operator identifies 46 new transmission lines needed to connect renewable energy projects to areas where people live.

In an op-ed to the RealClear Energy, Harrison Godfrey outlines a proposal to Congress to reform the permitting process and pair it with support for reuse and recycling of advanced energy tech.

Solar and wind are now the most affordable sources of electricity in the U.S., overtaking fossil fuels. Advances in battery storage are bringing electric vehicles (EVs) – already more cost-effective to charge and maintain – into price parity with their petroleum-fueled counterparts.

Clean energy and transportation group calls for electric grid upgrades and reforms to utility business models 

WASHINGTON, DC, April 12, 2023 – National business association Advanced Energy United today applauded newly proposed fuel efficiency standards by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The two newly proposed standards – one for light-duty passenger vehicles and the other for medium and heavy-duty vehicles – are expected to empower automakers to accelerate production of electric vehicles beginning in 2027. 

“This is a groundbreaking announcement that should finally put the U.S. on a trajectory to fully adopt zero-emissions vehicles,” said Ryan Gallentine, Transportation Policy Director at Advanced Energy United, which represents a wide spectrum of companies involved in vehicle production, charging infrastructure, and energy management software. “Electric vehicles are much more energy efficient as well as less expensive to fuel and maintain versus gas-powered vehicles. The transition to electric drivetrains represents enormous savings for their owners and the efficient use of our electricity grid, not to mention public health.” 

The legislation requires updated procurement standards that could save Florida taxpayers up to $277 million 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. April 11, 2023 – Today, national business group Advanced Energy United applauded the Florida Senate’s passage of CS/CS/SB 284: Energy. The bill would require the Department of Management Services (DMS) to consider not just the initial purchase price but the total cost of ownership for new additions to the state’s vehicle fleet, including operations, fuel, and maintenance costs. It also asks DMS to make recommendations to state agencies, local governments, and state colleges and universities using the same standards. 

Research from Advanced Energy United and the Electrification Coalition showed the bill has the potential to save Florida an average of $18,000 per vehicle by considering the total cost of ownership in vehicle procurement decisions. A full transition to electric vehicles for the state fleet could save Florida up to $277 million over that same period. 

In a letter to the editor of the Chicago Sun-Times, Samarth Medakkar writes about equitable consumer protection enforcement for all utilities.

Recently, Gov. J.B. Pritzker wrote an opinion piece on the need for legislation that would make natural gas utilities more accountable to Illinoisans by increasing oversight of their spending on financially risky infrastructure projects. He’s right.

The Sacramento Bee explores the importance of expanding California's grid, quoting Amisha Rai on how California lawmakers should act quickly to work with neighboring states.

Expanding California’s electricity grid to cooperate with neighboring states would bolster reliability and affordability while reducing carbon emissions, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy concluded in a new report. The report released Monday said California would both maintain jurisdiction over energy rates and stay on track to meet its clean energy goals as nearby states such as Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington strive to meet theirs.