In a historic move, the Biden-Harris Administration recently presented the first-ever National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy solidifying their commitment to decarbonization efforts and enhancing the economy.
The forward-looking strategy, devised by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), works jointly with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The strategy’s intent is to offer direction for the deployment of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (ZE-MHDV) charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure from 2024 to 2040.
“Our mission is to address the long-standing issue of petroleum-fueled freight’s effect on public health head-on,” asserted U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.
“This innovative strategy is set to not only bolster American households and corporate entities but also preserve the environment for the coming generations.”
Environmental Justice on Wheels
The fact that 75% of heavy truck traffic is concentrated on just 4% of U.S. roads, threatens the well-being of the affected communities.
Enter, the President’s game-changing investments in zero-emission infrastructure along these high-traffic roadways. This move marks a win for local communities courtesy of cleaner air, businesses due to decreased fuel costs, and the climate at large.
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Infrastructural Overhaul and The Role of EVs
A critical step to achieving U.S. objectives of promoting at least 30% ZE-MHDV sales by 2030 and 100% by 2040 lies in wide-ranging easy access to electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen refueling points.
Proposed development of a nationwide EV charging network with a distinct American identity plays a definitive part in the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategic path.
Battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology, among other zero-emission forms of freight transport, hold significant potential to save Americans money on consumer goods due to reduced transport-related fueling and maintenance costs.
Economy, Environment, and Equality
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt discussed an expansive plan to build a national EV charging network, stating, “Medium- and heavy-duty trucks in our freight network contribute roughly 23% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. transportation sector.
These new initiatives and Strategy will promote clean commerce, and support President Biden’s net-zero emissions goals for the nation by 2050.”
Under President Biden’s leadership, the quantity of publicly available EV chargers nationwide has surged by more than 80% to total over 173,000.
As many as 40 U.S.-based facilities have been announced or have begun production of EV chargers. The President’s “Investing in America” agenda has invited more than $25 billion of investment in the U.S. EV charging network.
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The Road Ahead
The National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy is a comprehensive government strategy to align investments and catalyze sustainable deployment of reliable ZE-MHDV infrastructure at key freight corridors and hubs, rolled out in four phases over a period of 16 years.
One clear objective of the strategy is to align public policy and investments, set ambitious goals, and mobilize actions to bring about freight decarbonization, making it an actionable plan for the future.
With this initiative, not only is the freight transport sector being reshaped, but it’s also laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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Susan Paige is a prolific female writer known for her insightful analyses on business news, particularly focusing on the stock market, cryptocurrency, and related topics. With a keen eye for trends and a knack for distilling complex concepts into accessible pieces, she captivates readers with her expertise and clarity.
