Day: July 7, 2021

National Coalition Led by Transportation Electrification Partnership and LACI Launches Digital Campaign Urging Congress to Fund Electric Vehicle Incentives and Charging Infrastructure

Federal investments in zero emissions mobility and goods movement will reduce disproportionately higher rates of respiratory diseases caused by air pollution in disadvantaged communities of color

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today a national coalition of over 100 companies, organizations, and local governments in 18 states launched a new digital campaign to urge Congress to support President Joe Biden’s proposed funding for electric vehicle incentives and investments in charging infrastructure. The coalition was created by the Transportation Electrification Partnership (TEP), a growing coalition of cleantech companies and organizations representing business, labor and startup innovation, led by the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI).

As Congress debates a path forward on infrastructure legislation, the digital campaign aims to keep a spotlight on the critical need to invest in zero emission transportation at levels that address long-standing environmental justice issues. Air pollution caused by gas-powered cars and trucks disproportionately affects communities of color, which suffer from increased rates of childhood asthma, lung disease, and heart disease.  

In a series of digital video and stationary ads titled “The Same Air,” TEP makes a direct case for Congress to make the necessary investments to address the plight of frontline communities that are choked by air pollution caused by the movement of goods and people. 

In his American Jobs Plan, President Biden proposed $174 billion in funding for EVs and EV charging. In April 2020, the Transportation Electrification Partnership began calling for a $150 billion federal stimulus proposal to support zero emissions vehicle manufacturing and innovation, infrastructure deployment, public and active transit, job training, high-quality workforce standards, and support for related startups and small business, prioritizing those started by underrepresented founders. In March 2021, over 100 companies, business organizations, and others sent a letter in support of this proposal to Congressional leaders.

TEP’s EV stimulus plan mirrors President Biden’s call in his American Jobs Plan plan to electrify transportation, while creating jobs and fighting the climate crisis, including: 

  • EV incentives for cars and trucks, and support for manufacturing
  • Charging stations and utility upgrades
  • Zero emissions transit and safe streets for walking and biking
  • Workforce development and job training
  • Innovation from startups and support for underrepresented founders 

TEP estimated its proposal could create up to 2.3 million jobs across the country, according to research from economic advisory firm HR&A. The analysis estimates that the proposed $150 billion in stimulus investment would boost employment in all sectors, with 1.4 million jobs expected to build out our nation’s zero emissions transportation infrastructure alone.

Click here to view TEP’s 30-second digital ad “Same Air”. 

About TEP

The Transportation Electrification Partnership is an unprecedented regional public-private collaboration to accelerate deep reductions in climate and air pollution by the time of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games by pursuing bold targets, pilots, initiatives, and policies that are equity-driven, create quality jobs, and grow the economy. TEP is chaired by LACI CEO Matt Petersen.

The TEP Leadership Group includes Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti, Southern California Edison, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, County of Los Angeles, California Air Resources Board, LA Metro; the TEP Advisory Group includes BMW Group, Itron, PCS Energy, Engie Impact, Audi of America, Nissan Group of North America, Proterra, BYD Motors, IBEW 11/NECA, and many others.

About LACI

LACI is creating an inclusive green economy by: unlocking innovation through working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies, transforming markets through partnerships with policymakers, innovators and market leaders in transportation, energy and sustainable cities; and enhancing communities through workforce development, pilots and other programs. Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. Learn more at laci.org

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