WASHINGTON (June 7, 2021) – Atlas Public Policy (Atlas) in partnership with the Alliance for Transportation Electrification published today a research paper, “Benefits of Transportation Electrification in a Post Pandemic World,” which highlights the potential economic, public health, and climate benefits of transportation electrification in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The road ahead demands bold action at the federal and state levels to rebuild our economy and put the United States in a position of global leadership in transportation electrification,” says Nick Nigro, Founder of Atlas Public Policy.
The first three months of 2021 saw early actions from the Biden Administration and strong commitments to transportation electrification made by automakers, utilities, and other key players in the United States electric vehicle (EV) market. This activity has increased the number and breadth of pathways that policymakers can pursue to accelerate the shift towards transportation electrification and capture more of the billions of dollars in investments committed to the technology worldwide.
The paper outlines three key opportunities for the country to achieve success and rapidly decarbonize the transportation sector:
Take Decisive Action at Federal Level.
The Biden Administration’s American Jobs Plan could inject $174 billion into transportation electrification in the United States and provide critical support to an industry looking to expand domestic EV manufacturing, battery development, and other component production. This support is essential to help ensure that the country remains competitive in the global EV market and that investment and jobs are not lost to China and the European Union.
Expand State Policy Frameworks.
For the last several years, states have been leading the policy development and public funding for transportation electrification. More than $2.4 billion has been committed to EVs and EV charging around the country through April 2021. Continuing and strengthening support from state governments and utilities will be essential to achieve widespread transportation electrification.
Prioritize Underserved Communities.
Major investments in EV and charging deployment, with a focus on underserved communities, can improve economic and public health outcomes for communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and other historical injustices. A coordinated, national approach to embracing transportation electrification is also a critical way for the United States to deliver far-reaching emissions reductions and make meaningful progress on air quality, especially in underserved communities, and on the fight against climate change.
“The Alliance is delighted to collaborate with Atlas on this second comprehensive paper that quantities the benefits of transportation electrification in this post-Covid 19 pandemic economy and society. The timing could not be better for policymakers to read its analysis and recommendations. The economy is recovering for sure, but the scope, coverage and social and geographic impacts are uneven. We need to both support the federal initiatives in EVs and infrastructure as well as continue to expand the utility-sponsored and other programs at the state and local government level. Moreover, in all these efforts, we need to keep a keen focus on equity issues and underserved communities who need to share equitably the benefits of a range of clean transportation policies including zero-emission buses and vehicles,” says Phil Jones, Executive Director of the Alliance for Transportation Electrification.
The paper is the second in a two-part series that explores the connections between the pandemic, public health, and emissions, and the role of transportation electrification as a part of the solution.
You can access the report here.
Contact Nick Nigro (nick.nigro@atlaspolicy.com) of Atlas Public Policy at (202) 750-4314 or Phil Jones (phil@evtransportationalliance.org) of the Alliance for Transportation Electrification for more information regarding this report.
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