The last obstacle to a 2021 bill linking Virginia’s emissions standards to California policy was defeated on a party-line vote in the state’s legislature, paving the way for a shift to electric vehicles.
“The last surviving bill from Republicans aimed at rolling back a Virginia law tying the state to emissions standards set by California that will ban the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035 reached the end of the road Tuesday,” reports Charlie Paullin in the Virginia Mercury, eliminating the last remaining obstacle to the new law.
According to Paullin, “Virginia Democrats have defended the 2021 law on the grounds that it puts Virginia at the front of the line to receive electric vehicles from automakers who are transitioning their fleets and will improve air quality.”
Tying state regulations to California standards, which call for phasing out the sale of new gas-powered light-duty vehicles by 2035, is one of two options for states to comply with the federal Clean Air Act. The other is following federal standards, which are not as stringent as California’s.
Some Virginia lawmakers argue that meeting the deadlines set by California’s regulations would be impossible for their state, also citing concerns about how an influx of electric vehicles would impact the state’s electric grid. A proposed amendment to delay or stop the bill failed in a party-line vote.
FULL STORY: Senate Democrats defeat remaining bill seeking to repeal Clean Car standards
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California Issues Electrification Plan
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The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
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Cool Walkability Planning
Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.
Congestion Pricing Could Be Coming to L.A.
The infamously car-centric city is weighing a proposed congestion pricing pilot program to reduce traffic and encourage public transit use.
Denver Makes ADU Rules More Flexible
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Illinois Legislators Pass Controversial I-55 Road Expansion Legislation
Legislation to enable the addition of express toll lanes on Interstate 55 in the Southwest Side of Chicago, opposed by environmental justice advocates, cleared the Illinois General Assembly last month.
What Is ‘Arterial Rapid Transit?’
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Caltrans
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
City of Orange
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
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.
