Our Work

Pennsylvania

Home to a significant manufacturing history that predates the automotive industry, Pennsylvania was the birthplace of commercial oil production and now has the opportunity to become a major player in the electric vehicle (EV), battery, and automotive EV supply chain sector. To do so requires additional investment and workforce development.

In total, more than 235,000 jobs have been created in the EV sector across the United States. As of August 2024, $284 million in private investments has been poured into the Pennsylvania EV manufacturing industry, spurred by approximately $187 million in federal funding. Prominent Pennsylvania investments are shown on the map below.

Sources: Climate Power, EV Jobs Hub (Atlas), Electrification Coalition

These investments, along with recent changes in tax policy, are bolstering American manufacturing and supply chains, which is critical at a time when China has a head start in the global transition to electric transportation. Read more about how electric vehicles can benefit Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Policy Priorities & Areas of Engagement

  • Transportation electrification planning legislation 
  • State electric school bus grant program and grant program fund legislation
  • Electric rate design 
  • Rural electrics resiliency programing 
  • Optimizing federal funding opportunities 
  • State fleet electrification
  • Complimentary programs and policies for zero-emission vehicle adoption 
  • Direct sales legislation  

Advanced Clean Trucks

The EC strongly encourages Pennsylvania to adopt the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, which will reduce costs of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by requiring manufacturers to increase production volumes and model availability. The ACT rule will also drive innovation and investment in clean transportation manufacturing and infrastructure deployment and make the state an even more desirable target location for federal clean energy investments.

To learn more, see:

Electric School BuseS in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s 1.4 million student bus riders deserve better than diesel. The EC strongly recommends that the Pennsylvania legislature create and fund a dedicated Electric School Bus Grant Program and Grant Program Fund. Electrifying school buses saves school districts money on fueling and maintenance costs, protects the health of students, reduces America’s dependence on the unstable oil market, and ensures that Pennsylvania doesn’t fall behind neighboring states in providing the best for its students and school districts.

Legislation such as HB 1542, introduced by Representative Markosek, is a critical and urgent opportunity to leverage federal funding coming into the state from the EPA Clean School Bus Program and combine it with state funds to ensure every school district—rural, urban, and suburban alike—has the opportunity to transition their fleet to electric.

On October 1, 2024, the Electrification Coalition partnered with Steelton-Highspire School District, First Student, Advanced Energy United, Generation 180, Moms Clean Air Force, and multiple legislators to hold a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda to highlight the importance of this grant program and to urge the Pennsylvania legislature to consider HB 1542.

Freedom to Buy Vehicles in Pennsylvania

Outdated laws in Pennsylvania are standing in the way of consumers and businesses’ freedom to buy the vehicles of their choice. These restrictions on car and truck buyers are obstructing economic growth and blocking Pennsylvanians’ access to the latest automotive technologies. Pennsylvania’s leaders need to update these laws so that consumers don’t face unnecessary obstacles when purchasing a vehicle. 

Check out our Freedom to Buy Vehicles in Pennsylvania page for more information on the subject.

Pennsylvania EV Policy Bootcamps

On June 20, 2023, the Electrification Coalition hosted the Pennsylvania Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Electric Vehicle Bootcamp and Showcase. We heard from many enthusiastic and dedicated individuals from across the MHD electric vehicle supply chain, including key business partners, state and federal agencies, utilities, local school districts, and advocate organizations. The day was filled with possibilities for future collaboration to successfully drive forward the MHD electric vehicle sector in the Commonwealth. Visit the event webpage for a full list of speakers, slides, event photos, and key takeaways.

In August 2020, the EC brought together 120 electric vehicle policymakers, industry experts, and advocates for a day-long discussion about how to accelerate electric vehicle policy in Pennsylvania. See a full list of speakers, slides, and a recording of the event. 

Amy Malaki

Amy Malaki is the head of policy and sustainability at SkyNRG and SkyNRG Americas, pioneering global leaders in sustainable aviation fuel production and supply. Prior to SkyNRG, Amy was the associate director for the transportation portfolio at the ClimateWorks Foundation where she developed philanthropic investment strategies to advance a sustainable, equitable and low-carbon mobility system. She also pioneered the organization’s international aviation decarbonization strategy. Prior to that she focused on Asia business development at Better Place, a Silicon Valley electric vehicle network startup. She has a B.A. in Chinese and China studies from the University of Washington and an M.A. in international policy studies (energy and environment) from Stanford University.