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Gov. DeSantis Vetoes Commonsense State Fleets Bill Which Could Have Saved Florida Taxpayers $277 Million

Posted by Adam Winer on Jun 29, 2023

Similar bills that help the state save money on fleet procurement costs have been signed by Republican governors in Nevada and Virginia

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Yesterday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed SB 284, a widely popular bipartisan bill that passed the Legislature nearly unanimously and would have saved Florida taxpayers up to $277 million on state-owned vehicles. The legislation would have allowed the state to consider fuel and maintenance costs in purchasing decisions for state fleets, making it easier for the state to transition to more cost-effective electric vehicles.

“This veto is a baffling decision that will cost Florida taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Michael Weiss, Florida state lead at Advanced Energy United, the national association of businesses working to achieve 100% clean energy and electrified transportation in America. “The Florida legislature saw the clear economic and taxpayer benefits of a modern and efficient state fleet, but Gov. DeSantis somehow didn’t get the memo.”

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Topics: Advanced Transportation, Press Releases, Michael Weiss, Florida

Florida Legislature Passes Bill To Save State Fleets Money on Cars and Trucks, Goes to the Governor’s Desk

Posted by Adam Winer on May 3, 2023

Switching the state's fleets to electric vehicles could save Florida up to $277 million over fifteen years 

TALLAHASSEE, FL, May 3, 2023 – Today, the Florida Legislature passed a bill that will help reduce vehicle fleet procurement costs for the state and open the door for alternatively-fueled vehicles to become a bigger part of the state’s future fleet. “SB 284 - Energy” would require the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) to consider not just the initial purchase price but the total cost of ownership for new additions to the state’s vehicle fleet, including operations, fuel, and maintenance costs. It also asks DMS to recommend the same standards to state agencies, local governments, and state colleges and universities. 

“We know that alternative fuel vehicles like electric vehicles have lower fuel and maintenance costs, and this bill will help ensure those benefits are factored into state fleet purchasing decisions,” said Michael Weiss, Florida state lead for Advanced Energy United, a national trade association of clean transportation and energy companies. "We thank Senator Jason Brodeur and Representative Mike Caruso for their leadership sponsoring and championing this common-sense legislation." 

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Topics: Advanced Transportation, Press Releases, Michael Weiss, Florida

Advanced Energy United Celebrates California’s Adoption of Advanced Clean Fleets Rule

Posted by Adam Winer on Apr 28, 2023

United also calls for accelerated state investment in charging infrastructure and electric grid upgrades needed for a fully electrified transportation system

SACRAMENTO, CA, April 28, 2023 – National business group Advanced Energy United celebrated today the adoption of the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) rule via unanimous vote by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The rule encourages commercial vehicle fleet operators to switch to zero-emission vehicles over the coming years, with a full phase-out on the sale of gas-powered trucks by 2045. The state regulator anticipates that the switch to zero-emission vehicles, like electric trucks, will save fleet operators up to $48 billion through 2050. 

“California continues to be a leader in the effort to electrify our transportation system by passing a rule that would steer businesses towards more advanced, technologically efficient trucks over the coming decades,” said Ryan Gallentine, transportation policy director at Advanced Energy United, an association of business working to achieve 100% clean energy and electrified transportation in America. “Now that California is on the road to cleaner trucks, the state must pair this plan with forward-looking infrastructure and grid-readiness planning to ensure the pieces are in place to meet this new timeline.” 

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Topics: Advanced Transportation, Press Releases, Ryan Gallentine, California

Advanced Energy United Celebrates Colorado's Adoption of Advanced Clean Trucks Rule

Posted by Adam Winer on Apr 21, 2023

Polling found that more than half of all Coloradans supported adoption of the ACT rule 

DENVER, CO, April 21, 2023 – National business association Advanced Energy United today applauded the adoption of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule via unanimous vote by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC). Set to take effect in 2027, the ACT rule will require auto manufacturers who produce medium- and heavy-duty vehicles to steadily increase the percentage of zero-emission model sales over time – up to 40-75% by 2035, depending on vehicle type. The rule is designed to spur manufacturers to offer more vehicle options and inventory, as well as provide consumers with more choices.

“In addition to improving air quality for Colorado residents, the Advanced Clean Trucks rule will lower costs for vehicle fleet operators and unlock new, cost-effective options for Colorado businesses,” said Emilie Olson, Colorado state lead at Advanced Energy United, which represents a wide spectrum of companies involved in vehicle production, charging infrastructure, and energy management software. "Small businesses, which have been hit hard by inflation and volatile fuel and supply chain prices, will benefit significantly from this regulation because it will help them switch to vehicles that cost less to operate and maintain.”

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Topics: Advanced Transportation, Press Releases, Colorado, Emilie Olson

Advanced Energy United applauds EPA’s newly proposed automotive fuel efficiency rules

Posted by Adam Winer on Apr 12, 2023

Clean energy and transportation group calls for electric grid upgrades and reforms to utility business models 

WASHINGTON, DC, April 12, 2023 – National business association Advanced Energy United today applauded newly proposed fuel efficiency standards by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The two newly proposed standards – one for light-duty passenger vehicles and the other for medium and heavy-duty vehicles – are expected to empower automakers to accelerate production of electric vehicles beginning in 2027. 

“This is a groundbreaking announcement that should finally put the U.S. on a trajectory to fully adopt zero-emissions vehicles,” said Ryan Gallentine, Transportation Policy Director at Advanced Energy United, which represents a wide spectrum of companies involved in vehicle production, charging infrastructure, and energy management software. “Electric vehicles are much more energy efficient as well as less expensive to fuel and maintain versus gas-powered vehicles. The transition to electric drivetrains represents enormous savings for their owners and the efficient use of our electricity grid, not to mention public health.” 

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Topics: Advanced Transportation, Press Releases, Ryan Gallentine

Florida Senate Unanimously Approves ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ Bill for State Fleet Vehicles

Posted by Adam Winer on Apr 11, 2023

The legislation requires updated procurement standards that could save Florida taxpayers up to $277 million 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. April 11, 2023 – Today, national business group Advanced Energy United applauded the Florida Senate’s passage of CS/CS/SB 284: Energy. The bill would require the Department of Management Services (DMS) to consider not just the initial purchase price but the total cost of ownership for new additions to the state’s vehicle fleet, including operations, fuel, and maintenance costs. It also asks DMS to make recommendations to state agencies, local governments, and state colleges and universities using the same standards. 

Research from Advanced Energy United and the Electrification Coalition showed the bill has the potential to save Florida an average of $18,000 per vehicle by considering the total cost of ownership in vehicle procurement decisions. A full transition to electric vehicles for the state fleet could save Florida up to $277 million over that same period. 

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Topics: State Policy, Advanced Transportation, Press Releases, Michael Weiss, Florida

New analysis shows Florida could save $277 million with a 'Total Cost of Ownership' approach to vehicle procurement

Posted by Calista Thompson on Mar 28, 2023

A new joint report from Advanced Energy United and the Electrification Coalition estimates up to $277 million in savings for Florida government entities when vehicles’ lifetime fuel and maintenance costs are considered. 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 20, 2023 – A new report from national business association Advanced Energy United found the state of Florida could save almost $280 million by considering the total cost of ownership in vehicle procurement decisions, compared to the current practice of only considering purchase price. The report, a joint effort between Advanced Energy United and the Electrification Coalition with support from Atlas Public Policy, highlights the lower lifetime maintenance costs that ultimately make an electric fleet significantly more affordable for the state. 

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Topics: Advanced Transportation, Press Releases, Electric Vehicles, Florida

AEE, Rivian applaud New York plans to adopt new clean car regulation

Posted by Adam Winer on Sep 29, 2022

Standard will ensure 100% of new cars sold in state will be zero-emission or plug-in hybrid by 2035 

ALBANY, NY, September 29, 2022 – Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), and electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, commended Governor Kathy Hochul for committing New York to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule. Building upon the original 2012 ACC program, ACC II establishes a year-by-year roadmap to ensure 100% of new cars and light trucks sold in New York will be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by 2035.

“Adopting this program sends a loud and clear message to carmakers that New Yorkers want electric vehicles,” said Leah Meredith, Principal at AEE. “With electric vehicles in high demand but currently in short supply, carmakers are prioritizing the states that speak up, and the Governor’s announcement helps ensure that New Yorkers will have the full range of electric vehicle models to choose from. And by increasing the number of new electric vehicles in New York, this program will also quicken the development of a robust market for used electric vehicles.”

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Topics: State Policy, Regulatory, Advanced Transportation, Press Releases, Electric Vehicles, Leah Meredith

New York Governor green lights electric school buses

Posted by Cayli Baker on Jan 5, 2022

AEE applauds Gov. Hochul’s commitment in her State of the State address and stresses the need for robust, immediate, and equitable state incentives to help school districts cover upfront infrastructure costs and further accelerate progress toward New York’s clean energy goals.

ALBANY, January 5, 2022 — Today national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) commended New York Governor Hochul’s bold commitment to accelerate electric school bus deployment in this afternoon’s State of the State address. AEE has been a leading voice among a coalition of groups calling on New York to further invest in electric school buses, which would not only generate long-term savings for school districts, but also improve air quality for students, and help the state meet its clean transportation goals.

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Topics: State Policy, Advanced Transportation, Press Releases, Electric Vehicles, Ryan Gallentine

New California poll shows majority support for Governor Newsom’s transportation electrification policies

Posted by Adam Winer on Sep 8, 2021

Californians also support Congress passing an infrastructure bill to help electrify transportation and modernize California’s energy infrastructure

SACRAMENTO, September 8, 2021 – Efforts to electrify California’s transportation are welcomed by a majority of residents, according to a new statewide poll conducted by YouGov for Advanced Energy Economy Institute, a nonprofit educational affiliate of national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE).

51 percent of California residents say they approve of Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order that would require all new passenger cars and trucks sold in California to be zero-emission by 2035. Only 29 percent of California residents say they disapprove of the order, and 20 percent remain unsure.

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Topics: California Engagement, Advanced Transportation, Press Releases, Electric Vehicles