California Auto Emission Standards

California Bans Purchase of Combustion Engine Cars by State Agencies

California adopted a policy that prohibits state agencies from buying sedans powered by an internal combustion engine, except for certain public safety vehicles, according to a Nov.15 announcement by the Department of General Services. The department is also developing a policy, which will require state agencies, beginning next year, to purchase vehicles from manufacturers that…

U.S. Agriculture Department Announces 30 Percent Biofuel Target for 2050

California Sues Trump Administration Over Right to Set Auto Emission Rules

California, joined by 22 other states, filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to withdraw a 2013 waiver that allowed the state to set its own tailpipe pollution limits and zero-emission vehicle standards, according to a Nov. 15 news release. The agency acted in September to cancel the waiver as part of…

Blog Preview 2019 10 30

EnerKnol’s Visual Primer – U.S. States Push for Innovative Electric Vehicle Programs to Reach New Market Segments

More than a dozen states have enacted measures or advanced programs over the last six months to boost electric vehicle (EV) usage and attract private investment in charging infrastructure. Growing concern about emissions and climate change is drawing increased attention to the transportation sector, the nation’s biggest polluter.

Electric Bus 10 30 2019

California Regulator Clears PG&E’s Proposal to Offer Subscription Pricing for Commercial Electric Vehicles

The California Public Utilities Commission on Oct. 28 approved Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s proposal to create a rate class for commercial electric vehicle charging with two new rate schedules for small and large customers. The new rates feature a monthly subscription charge and a time-of-use volumetric rate intended to encourage charging during times of…

California Adopts Strategies to Further Vehicle-Grid Integration

Connecticut Unveils Draft Roadmap to Create Self-Sustaining Electric Vehicle Market

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on Oct. 16 released a draft plan, identifying policies, programs, and strategies that the state should implement to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and expand charging infrastructure. The roadmap, which aims to develop a self-sustaining EV market, builds on the state’s prior work with vehicle rebates…

Electric Vehicles on Utility Services

Ameren Wins Missouri Approval to Add 1,000 EV Charging Stations

The Missouri Public Service Commission approved an agreement allowing Ameren Missouri to implement three sub-programs under its $11 million Charge Ahead initiative to encourage adoption of electric vehicles, according to an Oct. 17 press release. The programs namely, public charging, workplace charging, and multi-family charging, are scheduled to begin next year. Ameren Missouri expects to…

DTE Electric Seeks Michigan Approval for Second Phase of EV Program

Dominion to Roll out Largest Electric School Bus Deployment in the Nation, Showcasing Effectiveness of Vehicle-to-Grid

Dominion Energy is seeking state approval in Virginia to deploy the nation’s largest electric school bus program, starting with 50 buses in 2020, then adding 200 per year for the next 5 years, according to an October 10 press release from PJM Interconnection LLC, the grid operator. Dominion expects to spend $13.5 million replacing the first 50…

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Massachusetts Regulators Slash National Grid’s Rate Request, Reject $166 Million EV Plan

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities issued a final order on Oct. 7 approving National Grid’s electric rate request, with a $41.8 million or 32 percent cut to the company’s original application for a $132.2 million hike. Regulators also approved performance-based ratemaking proposals, storm cost recovery and a limited part of the company’s aggressive electric vehicle…

Electric vehicle 10 14 2019

Xcel Energy to Launch Subscription Pricing Options for Minnesota Residential EV Charging

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Oct. 7 approved Xcel Energy Inc.’s subscription pilot for electric vehicle charging services for residential ratepayers. The program, which intends to make the energy-related costs of operating electric cars more predictable, allows customers to charge the vehicle for a flat monthly fee for a two-year period, instead of paying for…

Electric Car 9 20 2019

U.S. EPA Cancels California’s Authority to Impose Stricter Auto Emission Rules

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Sept. 19 announced a final rule establishing nationwide uniform fuel economy and emission standards for automobiles and light duty trucks. As part of the rule, the agency said it is withdrawing a 2013 waiver that allowed California to pursue its own tailpipe pollution standard and zero-emission vehicle mandate. The…

Blog Preview 2019 09 11

EnerKnol’s State Policy Playbook: Northwest Utilities Prepare for Impending Coal Phase-Outs

Carbon reduction is becoming ingrained in the planning strategies of utilities across the Northwest in response to state-level decarbonization policies and market changes. As coal plants are no longer cost-competitive, utilities are taking advantage of new technologies and favorable economics of natural gas and renewables.