In a press release on July 14, 2020 by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM), a nonprofit association of air quality agencies in the Northeast, governors from 15 states and the mayor of Washington, D.C.[1] announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing to zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV) in 100% of medium- and heavy-duty sales by 2050 and interim target of 30% electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2030.[2][3] Collectively, these states account for nearly 50% of the U.S. economy and about 40% of goods moved by truck (by value).[4] To meet the targets of the MOU, key policies, including the Advanced Clean Truck Rule (California’s zero-emission commercial truck requirement) and investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, are identified in the MOU.

The participating locations will work through NESCAUM’s Multi-State ZEV Task Force to develop a roadmap to increase electric vehicle supply, encourage zero-emission vehicle purchases, and establish a supportive ecosystem comprised of a trained workforce, charging infrastructure, and financing tools. The Multi-State ZEV Task Force’s 2018 action plan focused on light-duty vehicles. Under the MOU, the task force will focus on developing a plan for heavy duty vehicles like trucks and buses in the next six months.

[1] Participating locations: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, and Vermont

[2] https://www.nescaum.org/about-us/newsroom/#

[3]http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200714/dc/3a/2b/58/794e750e808dd4a82ae402dd/MHDV_ZEV_MOU_7-14-20.pdf

[4] https://www.nrdc.org/experts/patricio-portillo/15-states-take-historic-action-transportation-pollution