The ICCT Applauds Biden Administration for Visionary National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy

(San Francisco) 12 March 2024 — Today, the Biden administration released a national vision for zero emission freight hubs and corridors in the U.S. The plan is eminently achievable, and The ICCT applauds the administration’s leadership on this critical issue.

As we have found in our own work, the U.S. does not have to build everything, everywhere, all at once. Rather, electrification goals for Class 4-8 trucks can be met by identifying the busiest ports, industrial zones, and freight hubs and corridors in the United States that present the strongest business case for electrification and would support high rates of charging infrastructure utilization, and building there first.

The maps released by the administration today commit to a 100% zero-emission heavy-duty charging and refueling network by 2040, aligning with domestic and international climate goals and going further than the proposed Phase 3 greenhouse gas rule currently under consideration by EPA. This vision will steer public and private investments to make sure infrastructure is ready at the right time and in the right places. Both vehicle manufacturers and utilities have a clear guidebook to align their investments with confidence.

Through the end of this decade, the strategy’s focus will be to deploy infrastructure along key freight hubs. The following decade will focus on expanding regional freight networks through long-distance corridors. The strategy consists of four phases: (1) Establish hubs from 2024-2027; (2) connect hubs from 2027-2030; (3) expand corridors from 2030-2035; and complete the network from 2035-2040.

“Infrastructure has been cited by many stakeholders as a possible barrier to achieving our clean-trucking goals. This strategy is a direct answer to that concern and demonstrates how minimal the need is when distributed strategically,” said Ray Minjares, Director of Heavy-Duty Trucks program at The ICCT. “Adoption of EPA’s phase 3 greenhouse gas rule is the next step towards unlocking private sector investment in clean truck infrastructure.”

Next Steps for accelerating the transition to zero-emission trucks
While the administration’s infrastructure maps are an important first step, further action is needed to ensure a transition to electric trucks aligns with the climate goals declared at the beginning of Biden’s time in office.

• Align grants, loans, and incentives with this vision. Until now, there has been no North Star on how and where to invest in infrastructure. Today, there is a literal map and timeline based on real data. The administration can use this plan to immediately focus public dollars accordingly.
• Streamline planning. The federal government can provide data, tools, and technical support to utilities to harmonize freight charging infrastructure planning across their service territories. Coordinating utilities around ports, in urban metros, and along freight corridors is especially key.
• Set strong standards. The EPA has the opportunity to finalize a Phase 3 rule this month that achieves significant greenhouse gas reductions for trucks in line with domestic and international climate goals. Strong standards will continue pushing manufacturers to innovate and bring more zero-emissions trucks to market.

By taking these next steps and working collaboratively with industry and states, the administration has the opportunity to truly transform our nation’s trucking system and set an example for the world of how to decarbonize heavy transport in an efficient and equitable way.

-End-

Media contact
Jessica Peyton,  communications@theicct.org

About the International Council on Clean Transportation
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is an independent research organization providing first-rate, unbiased research and technical and scientific analysis to environmental regulators. Our mission is to improve the environmental performance and energy efficiency of road, marine, and air transportation, in order to benefit public health and mitigate climate change. Founded in 2001, we are a nonprofit organization working under grants and contracts from private foundations and public institutions.

Find us at:
www.theicct.org
Twitter LinkedIn YouTube
Keep up with our research by signing up for our newsletters.