Critics say the Postal Service's argument for its weak commitment to electrifying its vehicle fleet doesn't hold water.
Despite a mandate to electrify federal agency vehicle fleets by 2035, the U.S. Postal Service is only committing to replacing 10 percent of its delivery trucks with electric vehicles, a minimal pledge that sustainability advocates deem unacceptable. While the USPS revealed new, pedestrian-friendly truck designs last year, it appears most of them will still run on gas. As Kea Wilson reports, the agency, which operates the largest government-owned vehicle fleet in the nation, is citing financial and logistical challenges.
The agency claims that it would be difficult to keep EV batteries charged during long mail routes, but the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) rejects this argument, pointing out that "fewer than 6 percent of U.S. mail routes are longer than 70 miles, while today’s electric cargo vans can already go 140 miles on a charge — a capacity that’s likely to go up as battery technology improves."
According to the article, linked below, the agency also fails to mention the possibility of introducing electric cargo bikes or tricycles for mail delivery in dense urban areas, despite their potential to slash emissions and cost. Advocates tout the environmental, financial, and public health benefits of switching to electric bikes and trikes where appropriate.
FULL STORY: RETURN TO SENDER: USPS Decarbonization Plan is Weak, Say Advocates
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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