Virginia Gets Revved Up for More Electric Vehicles
On September 24, the Electrification Coalition (EC) brought together a robust group of electric vehicle (EV) policymakers, industry experts, and advocates for an informative and collaborative day-long session about how to accelerate EV adoption in Virginia. This session was the third in a series of state EV Policy Bootcamps the EC is holding across six states.
The bootcamp included several high–level keynote addresses from Admiral John Harvey, member of Securing America’s Future Energy’s Energy Security Leadership Council and former Virginia Secretary of Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs and 31st Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and Chris Bast, Chief Deputy Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Participants also heard informative presentations on how to address equity concerns and considerations from Ramon-Partida-Lopez, Legal Counsel, Environmental Equity at The Greenlining Institute, and on how EVs can improve air quality and public health from Dr. Neelu Tummala, Steering Committee Member for Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action.
Additional sessions included updates on the national EV market, manufacturers’ perspectives on vehicle technology and policy pathways, how Virginia cities are accelerating EVs, and policy gaps around charging infrastructure. Speakers included representatives from Virginia Clean Cities, Volvo, General Motors, Tesla, Electrify America, the Rocky Mountain Institute and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
In the afternoon, the EC led a deep-dive discussion about a wide range of policy options to accelerate EVs in Virginia. This conversation utilized the unique “fishbowl” format to gather comments and input from all participants in a lively discussion format.
It was great to have robust participation in our Virginia EV Policy Bootcamp. Thank you to everyone who spoke, participated and attended. We’re excited to work to accelerate EVs in Virginia!
Presentation Slides
- How We Can Address EV Equity Concerns and Considerations
Román Partida-Lopez, Legal Counsel, Environmental Equity, The Greenlining Institute - How Cities in the Commonwealth are Revving up on EVs
Alleyn Harned, Executive Director, Virginia Clean Cities - Breathing Easier for All: How EVs Help Air Quality and Public Health Across Communities
Dr. Neelu Tummala, Steering Committee Member, Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action - Where are We on Vehicle Technology, Market Projections & Policy Challenges?
Keith Brandis, Vice President, Partnerships and Strategic Solutions, Volvo Group North America
Tom Van Heeke, Policy Lead, Mobility and Climate Change, General Motors
Albert Gore, Policy and Business Development, Tesla
Matt Nelson, Director of Government Affairs, Electrify America - Where are We on Utilities Regulation? Best Practices across the Country: TOU and Rate Impacts
Chris Nelder, Manager, Mobility, Rocky Mountain Institute - Lessons from the Garden State: What Can We Learn From New Jersey’s EV Efforts?
Christine Sadovy, Chief of Staff, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities - Virginia Transportation Electrification Overview
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