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Energizing America: The Road to Clean Transportation

Transportation clean energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced an investment of $187 million as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The funds are aimed at accelerating the electrification of the nation’s transportation sector and advancing the clean transportation revolution​1.

Powering the Clean Transportation Revolution

Spanning 18 states and Washington, D.C., 45 selected projects will utilize this funding to expedite the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and educate consumers on the benefits of EV ownership. These projects aim to increase the efficiency, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of EVs while also mobilizing workers to spearhead the clean transportation revolution. The DOE has allocated $87 million towards these initiatives, aiming to foster innovation in technology and materials for EVs, lower emissions from off-road vehicles, rail, and maritime transportation, and create fresh concepts for clean mobility options in underserved communities​2​​3.

Building the Infrastructure for Clean Transportation

The DOE is investing in initiatives that will significantly change EV charging infrastructure and battery technology. The projects include creating EV charging solutions for Americans without home charging options, with plans to install charging stations at over 2,500 multi-family home properties. They also aim to develop batteries that use abundant materials, reducing dependence on rare-earth elements. This will be augmented by the recently announced $2.5 billion by the Federal Highway Administration to build and deploy EV charging stations nationwide, including in rural communities and low-income neighborhoods​4​​5.

Empowering Underserved Communities

A considerable portion of these projects aims to cater to the needs of underserved communities. For instance, 13 projects will collaborate with local organizations and Clean Cities coalitions to develop strategic plans for transportation decarbonization and EV charging in urban, rural, and tribal communities. The DOE is committed to ensuring that these projects promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, with applicants required to submit plans detailing their efforts to foster an inclusive environment and support people from underrepresented groups in STEM fields​6​​7.

Equipping the Workforce for the Future

The DOE also emphasizes the workforce’s role in this clean transportation revolution. As part of these initiatives, training programs will equip workers with the skills necessary to transition into the clean energy transportation workforce. This supports President Biden’s agenda to onshore and restore domestic manufacturing of key technologies and infrastructure and create well-paying union jobs​8​​9.

Looking Forward

As we look ahead, the DOE has earmarked a further $99.5 million for the fiscal year 2023. This number will support additional projects to reduce costs associated with improving EV charging infrastructure. The focus is on underserved communities, providing consumer education on EVs and EV charging, and developing cost-effective batteries​10.

The clean transportation revolution is a monumental step toward a sustainable future. With these investments and initiatives, the U.S. is making significant strides. It will help decarbonize transportation and empower American workers and communities to lead the way. The deadline for applications for the Fiscal Year 2023 funding opportunity is August 11, 2023. This date will continue this ambitious journey towards a greener future​11.

 

Link of interest: Waste-to-Energy Initiatives with $3M Investment

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