CALSTART

At our 12th Annual CA Summit, (L to R in photo) CALSTART's?Head of Policy, Trisha DelloIacono (moderator), California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)'s Sr. Advisor Tyson Eckerle, California Air Resources Board's Chair Liane Randolph, CalEnergyCommission's Commissioner Nancy Skinner each offered their perspective on how the state is modeling clean transportation progress through bold policy, innovation, and leadership.

pv magazine USA took note of two new programs introduced by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to address #EV adoption barriers. These initiatives expand charging options to help fleet owners, rideshare drivers, and taxi operators switch to electric vehicles. CALSTART is leading the consultant teams for the Vehicle-for-Hire (VFH) Charging Program and the Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Mobile Charging Program. Jon Gordon, CALSTART'S Deputy Director of Light-Duty Vehicles, said "MassCEC is making it easier than ever for high-mileage drivers to go electric, reduce pollution, and drive toward a cleaner transportation future.” With Massachusetts already among the top states for EV adoption—expanding infrastructure is more critical than ever. Read more here: https://ow.ly/exA150VjgYu

CALSTART staff and several member attendees at the budget advocacy day post-summit. The following day, 20 CALSTART member companies joined CALSTART staff at 35 meetings with state legislators to showcase industry support and funding initiatives for California’s clean transportation programs. Topics included continued appropriations for the Cap-and-Trade program, robust funding for clean transportation, and defending the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

Our Head of Policy, Trisha DelloIacono, opened CALSTART’s 12th annual California Summit yesterday with welcome remarks that addressed a packed room of California #policymakers, CALSTART members, transportation advocates, and energy and #environmental reporters. In her speech, she declared: “California's landmark authority to establish its own vehicle emission standards—a cornerstone of national climate progress for decades—faces unprecedented challenges. This authority represents more than regulatory flexibility; it embodies our state's pioneering environmental leadership. […]??? “This year presents a defining moment.???? “Amid intensified challenges to California's environmental policies and federal efforts to decelerate electric vehicle adoption, securing legislative extension of the Cap-and-Trade program to 2045 or beyond has become imperative. California must send an unambiguous, long-term market signal that mitigating climate disaster—and preventing its devastating economic consequences—remains our highest priority. […] “The moment demands bold action.?The solutions we've collectively developed couldn't be more important for maintaining the remarkable market momentum we've built.?[…]? “Let us forge the partnerships and strategies that will advance clean transportation for generations to come.”?

Los Angeles Times reporter Hayley Smith covers how Trump's EPA could undo critical tailpipe emission standards in a new article. In her coverage, she spoke with CALSTART President and CEO John Boesel who shared his thoughts on potential implications: "[M]any companies have made major investments in a cleaner transportation future [and] having this kind of regulatory uncertainty will undermine a lot of the investment and possibly discourage innovation." Despite these potential setbacks, Boesel expresses hope that California will continue to change transportation for good. Read the article and Boesel’s comments on the future of EV innovation: https://ow.ly/qj6050VlSRl

You’re running out of time to register for tomorrow’s green steel webinar, beginning at 9 a.m. PT, featuring leading innovators Electra, Boston Metal, and Stegra. During this one-hour webinar, participants will learn how #automakers can analyze their #supplychains, navigate key #sustainability commitments, and explore offtake opportunities for low-carbon #iron and #steel. Hosted by CALSTART’s Deputy Director of Green Steel, Jon Gordon. Panelists include: - Adam Rauwerdink, SVP Business Development at Boston Metal - Holger Koehler, Head of Strategy at Electra - Michael Lovgren, Head of Commercial Metallics at Stegra This is a key opportunity to connect with cutting-edge suppliers and take the next step toward decarbonizing your supply chain! A must-attend webinar for #transportation and #steelmaking professionals. Secure your spot now: https://bit.ly/4kyDsUr

Excitement is building for World Hydrogen North America 2025, with only two weeks left until the event kicks off in Houston! From March 31 – April 2, join us and World Hydrogen Leaders in the energy capital of the world as we unite senior-level attendees from across entire hydrogen value chain to gain market insights, identify new opportunities and accelerate business growth in the rapidly evolving hydrogen market. Register now: https://ow.ly/iy1N50Vmg2t Download the brochure for more information: https://ow.ly/gLb850Vmg2r #WHNA #hydrogen #h2 #energytransition #lowcarbon

How do we unlock affordable financing for battery-electric trucks (BETs)? CALSTART’s EV Industry Assessment Specialist Kabir Nadkarni breaks down how lenders can use an innovative approach, backed by industry-leading business models, to help accelerate the shift to clean transportation. Dive into this Q&A and learn: How using the resale value of batteries and other BET components can allow lenders to offer better financing terms for fleets. Why batteries remain useful—and valuable—even after the end of their life in electric vehicles. How companies like Moment Energy, Connected Energy, and Zenobē are successfully building second-life battery projects. What used BET components could mean for fleet operators and incentive program implementers. If you missed Kabir in the recent Second-Life Batteries and EV Residual Value webinar or at the 2025 Wall Street Green Summit in New York, now is your chance to gain these valuable insights! https://ow.ly/q46k50VkM9a #EVBatteries #CircularEconomy #ResidualValues #ElectricTrucks #SustainableTransport

Join Our Transit Cybersecurity Working Group – First Meeting This Week! ???? The Cybersecurity for Low- and No-Emission Transit Systems Working Group meets virtually this Thursday, March 27! Auburn University and CALSTART are inviting transit agencies, vehicle manufacturers, and state DOTs to collaborate on developing cybersecurity and physical security frameworks tailored to low- and no-emission transit systems. This initiative, part of the FTA’s LoNo-CAP program, will focus on key cybersecurity topics such as assessing vulnerabilities in vehicular Wi-Fi, CAN networks, and cellular routers, as well as innovating data collection, storage, and testing methods. ?? Want to get involved? Contact Mike Hynes, Deputy Director of Transit at CALSTART: [email protected] #PublicTransit #TransitSecurity #LowAndNoEmission #LoNoCAP

CALSTART will present our signature Blue Sky Award to awardees during the event reception, beginning at 5 p.m. PT. CALSTART’s Blue Sky Award was first presented in 1996 to General Motors and has since been awarded annually to leading companies, organizations, and individuals for their achievements in the clean transportation industry. Honorees are carefully selected by CALSTART’s Board of Directors and staff for their work in advancing clean air, energy efficiency, clean vehicles, and technology development. All registered participants are welcome to attend the reception for networking opportunities. See the agenda to know where to go: bit.ly/3D9MTJ5