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
USDOT Unveils Strategies to Achieve Near-Zero Transportation Emissions
Three key strategies — reducing travel distances, increasing energy-efficient travel modes, and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles and fuels — are recommended to meet national climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
'Charging as a Service' Could Accelerate Decarbonization
The proliferation of private EV charging services, coupled with federal investment in charging stations, has the potential to reduce 'charging anxiety' and encourage a faster switch to electric vehicles.
US Senate Reverses California EV Mandate
The state planned to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, a goal some carmakers deemed impossible to meet.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Renters Now Outnumber Homeowners in Over 200 US Suburbs
High housing costs in city centers and the new-found flexibility offered by remote work are pushing more renters to suburban areas.
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.
Supreme Court Ruling in Pipeline Case Guts Federal Environmental Law
The decision limits the scope of a federal law that mandates extensive environmental impact reviews of energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects.
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.
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Mt Shasta
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)