Contact: Noah Barnes, Electrification Coalition
nbarnes@electrificationcoalition.org, (202) 461-2371
LANSING, MICH.—A group of 20 business leaders have signed on to a letter urging Governor Gretchen Whitmer to accelerate the transition to electric medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) vehicles by adopting the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) and Heavy-Duty Omnibus (HDO) rules. These rules require manufacturers to sell an increasing number of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks in Michigan while establishing strong yet feasible air pollution standards for new fossil fuel trucks.
The coalition of businesses is also encouraging the governor to join other states and governors by joining 17 other states, D.C. and Quebec in signing the Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate commitments and action for clean trucks and buses.
Electric trucks and buses can lead to increased consumer savings, as fossil fuel prices are unpredictable and volatile, while electricity prices remain largely low and stable. Transitioning to electric MHD vehicles also makes Michigan residents safer by reducing the national security risks associated with our dependence on oil for transportation.
MHD vehicles account for less than 10% of all vehicles on the road but contribute over one-third of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions. Zero-emission MHD vehicles will improve air quality, particularly in areas exposed to high levels of exhaust from trucks and buses, and help Illinois meet its climate goals.
“States are moving swiftly to adopt the Advanced Clean Truck regulations, which ensures they are at the front of the line for deployment of zero-emission vans, trucks, and other larger vehicles,” said Chris Nevers, senior director of public policy for Rivian. “This policy is a crucial next step to ensuring Michigan’s continued leadership in clean transportation, and Rivian strongly supports its adoption.”
“It was encouraging to see 25 Michigan school districts receive funding for electric school buses in the first round of the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program,” said Josh Williams, Midwest regional manager of Highland Electric Fleets. “These awards are a great start: now complementary state-level policies are needed to ensure all Michigan communities can benefit from clean transportation and participate in the new energy economy. Michigan has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect the health of its children and prepare the EV workforce of the future, and we urge Governor Whitmer to take advantage of it.”
“We are excited by the opportunity for Michigan to adopt the Advanced Clean Truck regulations,” said Abass El-Hage, founder and CEO of Hague Auto & Red E Charging, two Detroit-based EV charging solutions providers. “This policy is a powerful and critical step in electrifying our state’s heaviest, dirtiest vehicles. Trucks, buses, and vans drive through every neighborhood where Michiganders live, work, and play. Advanced Clean Trucks will help ensure those vehicles are clean, quiet, and moving our economy forward. As the heart of automotive manufacturing and innovation, Michigan’s continued leadership in electric transportation is vital. We are proud to advocate for policies that not only bring clean vehicles to Michigan roads but also drive the market, create good jobs, and meet the future of transportation, today.”
“Michigan has been a climate and mobility leader through the development of its MI Healthy Climate Plan and the Council on Future Mobility and Electrification policy recommendations,” said Aaron Viles, campaigns director at the Electrification Coalition. “The policies recommended by these businesses will allow Governor Whitmer to fulfill important climate and mobility goals while ensuring Michigan reduces oil’s monopoly on our transportation systems.”
The businesses that have signed on include:
- ABB E-mobility Inc.
- Aldea Coffee
- Arrival
- Avalon International Breads
- BP Pulse Fleets
- Brewery Vivant
- ChargePoint
- EVBox
- EVgo
- Hage Auto
- Highland Electric Fleets
- Lightning eMotors
- The Lion Electric Company
- M36 Coffee Roasters
- Mawby Sparkling Wines
- Nuvve
- Proterra
- REE
- Rivian
- Workhorse Group Inc.
###
About the Electrification Coalition: The Electrification Coalition is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes policies and actions to facilitate the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) on a mass scale to overcome the economic, public health and national security challenges that stem from America’s dependence on oil. ElectrificationCoalition.org