PUBLIC POLICY
WHO WE ARE
CALSTART’s Policy team helps shape new regulations and incentives to advance the clean transportation technology industry at the global, federal, regional, and state level. We partner with CALSTART’s diverse members to further our shared priorities and engage with policy makers. Our efforts support all our initiatives, including trucks and off-road vehicles, buses and innovative mobility, clean fuels and infrastructure, and light-duty vehicles.
WHAT WE DO
Globally, we work to encourage the adoption of zero-emission transportation goals aligned with Drive to Zero’s Global Memorandum of Understanding on Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles.
In the United States, our efforts include constructive engagement to educate policymakers on approaches that are critical to accelerating the transition to clean transportation. The policy team extends from California, across key states in the Midwest and Northeast and to the federal level.
“They are more than just an effective advocate for clean transportation policies and programs – they are ground zero for the industry.
DAVID JOHNSON
CALSTART has led numerous successful policy campaigns, including:
- Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments. CALSTART members have engaged extensively with state and federal agencies to support the deployment of unprecedented levels of funding for clean transportation. We bring decades of experience with incentive programs that can accelerate the transition to zero-emission technologies.
- Historic funding for clean transportation in the California budget. CALSTART works with its members to educate legislators about the significant benefits that incentive funding for zero-emission vehicles, infrastructure, and innovative mobility projects brings to the state.
- New federal tax credits for zero-emission vehicles, including batteries, and infrastructure. CALSTART provided significant education to lawmakers on effective incentives for clean transportation that were ultimately adopted in the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Utility Policy to Support the Transition to Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles. Our Coalition for Commercial Electric Vehicles has engaged in utility regulatory proceedings in states across the country to develop make-ready programs, innovative rate designs, and other policies that enhance the cost-competitiveness of zero-emission fueling for commercial vehicles.
- State and Federal Regulations. Regulations can provide clear market signals, if done right, to support a smooth transition to zero-emission transportation, especially when paired with significant incentives to encourage near-term investments. CALSTART brings together a diverse set of stakeholders to support meaningful and practical regulatory solutions.
To support the effective development and implementation of these policies, CALSTART mobilizes our membership through several coalitions dedicated to concentrated work on specific policy goals. In 2021, CALSTART kicked off policy action groups (PAGs) to bring together member companies and organizations to partner on shared priorities. These groups provide members with an opportunity to engage in our policy advocacy more actively and effectively at the federal and state level.
Get Involved
CALSTART regularly works with all our members to share legislative and regulatory policy updates, hold educational meetings with policy makers, and organize engagement in formal policymaking processes with technical input and data on market development. CALSTART also offers quarterly policy webinars for all members to stay up to speed on relevant policy updates.
Resources
- Event Recap: DRIVING AMERICAN JOBS: Zero-Emission Vehicles at Work
- 45W Off-Road Eligibility Letter
- Industry Letter to the EPA to Support Strong Vehicle Standards
- CALSTART Statement on National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards
- CALSTART Statement on Award for MHD ZEV Corridors
- CALSTART Supports Accelerated ZEV Transition Alternative in Testimony to CARB
- CALSTART Supports President Biden’s Executive Order for Light Duty Vehicle Standards
- CALSTART Summary of Key IRA Provisions
- Support for US Sign-On to Global MOU
Interested in being a part of Public Policy activities?