Gabby Kientzle, gabby.kientzle@sierraclub.org
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Biden administration announced an interagency strategy to establish a charging and refueling infrastructure network for zero-emission trucks, a major step toward decarbonizing the freight and goods movement system in the United States.
This new initiative will help maximize the impact of charging infrastructure investments by steering them toward high-volume priority corridors and freight hubs, further catalyzing an already robust market that has strong local, utility and government support, including from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Hundreds of thousands of Americans, primarily people of color and low-income communities, are harmed by toxic diesel pollution every year. Although large trucks make up just 10 percent of vehicles on the road, they emit the majority of hazardous air pollutants. Today’s announcement will build out the necessary infrastructure to support the transition of a zero-emission freight system that will help save lives.
In response to the heavy-duty charging announcement, Sierra Club Clean Transportation for All Director Katherine García released the following statement:
“Cleaning up dirty trucks is essential for the Biden administration to deliver on its air quality, public health, and climate commitments. Establishing zero-emission freight hubs and corridors will help achieve cleaner air for the communities that need it most and break away from the legacy of a polluting goods movement in the US.
“The Sierra Club applauds the Biden administration for today’s visionary charging announcement and we look forward to supporting the development of this network for zero-emission trucks. Looking ahead, we're eagerly awaiting further federal actions to reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles, including the EPA delivering strong truck standards as soon as possible.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.