Advocates for electrifying farm equipment are calling for more tax incentives and access to electric tractors and other machinery for U.S. farmers.

Pacific Northwest farmers are pushing for electrification in their industry, with one organization bringing “ridershare” service to tractors.
As Claire Carlson reports in the Daily Yonder, “Sustainable Northwest, in partnership with Forth, Wy’East RC&D, and Bonneville Environment Foundation, is leading a ‘rideshare’ program in Oregon that allows farmers to test out electric tractors on their farms.”
The organization hopes the program will help farmers access the benefits of electric equipment. “Rural Oregonians put nearly twice as many daily miles on their vehicles than the statewide average, according to 2019 research prepared for the Oregon Department of Transportation. For farmers, this mileage can be a lot higher, equaling a much steeper price tag on diesel.”
In addition to saving money and fuel, electric farm equipment can bring health benefits. “The minimal sound the machinery creates – a low hum accompanied by the noise of the bearings turning while driving and no noise while idling – is a stark difference from the rumble of diesel-powered tractors.”
“Currently, there are no incentives for electric tractor purchases in Oregon. Sustainable Northwest hopes to change that, and providing a tractor rideshare program free of charge to farmers is just one way they’re doing this.” Advocates hope electric farm equipment will be included in future bills like the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes incentives for some electric vehicles but fails to include equipment such as tractors.
FULL STORY: Push for Electric Ag Equipment in Oregon Is Led by Independent Groups

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

Trump Approves Futuristic Automated Texas-Mexico Cargo Corridor
The project could remove tens of thousands of commercial trucks from roadways.

Austin's First Single Stair Apartment Building is Officially Underway
Eliminating the requirement for two staircases in multi-story residential buildings lets developers use smaller lots and more flexible designs to create denser housing.

Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)