Jamie Friedman
Policy Associate
An electric vehicle toolkit for local governments and Texas communities
By using a set of key tools to encourage EV adoption, local governments can help clean up the air in their communities and take meaningful action against global warming. The actions of leading EV communities around the state and around the country provide examples for other Texas communities to follow. This toolkit draws from their experiences and provides ideas for local governments on how to accelerate the deployment of electric transportation on our roads.
Electric vehicles, powered by clean, renewable energy, have become an accessible and affordable alternative to traditional gas-guzzling vehicles. While federal and state policies have made strides in moving the nation toward clean transportation, local governments have a key role to play in bringing change to their own communities.
Every day, local governments make decisions about municipal purchasing, the use of public streets and parking garages, planning and zoning, and other issues that can either make it easier or more difficult for their residents to own an EV. Some Texas communities have already taken the lead by adopting 100% electric vehicle targets for municipal fleets and transitioning their transit buses and school buses to electricity. Many have also worked to encourage residents to make the switch by providing free public charging stations, educating their communities on EV rebates and funding opportunities, and updating their zoning ordinances and building codes to encourage EV parking and charging infrastructure.
By using a set of key tools to encourage EV adoption, local governments can help clean up the air in their communities and take meaningful action against global warming. The actions of leading EV communities around the state and around the country provide examples for other Texas communities to follow. This toolkit draws from their experiences and provides ideas for local governments on how to accelerate the deployment of electric transportation on our roads such as:
- Municipal purchasing of EVs
- Expansion of EV charging infrastructure
- Electric buses for public transportation and electric school buses
- EV-friendly building codes and zoning requirements
- Incentives to purchase EVs
- EV advocacy and resolutions
Topics
Authors
Jamie Friedman
Policy Associate
Luke Metzger
Executive Director, Environment Texas
As the executive director of Environment Texas, Luke is a leading voice in the state for clean air and water, parks and wildlife, and a livable climate. Luke recently led the successful campaign to get the Texas Legislature and voters to invest $1 billion to buy land for new state parks. He also helped win permanent protection for the Christmas Mountains of Big Bend; helped compel Exxon, Shell and Chevron Phillips to cut air pollution at four Texas refineries and chemical plants; and got the Austin and Houston school districts to install filters on water fountains to protect children from lead in drinking water. The San Antonio Current has called Luke "long one of the most energetic and dedicated defenders of environmental issues in the state." He has been named one of the "Top Lobbyists for Causes" by Capitol Inside, received the President's Award from the Texas Recreation and Parks Society for his work to protect Texas parks. He is a board member of the Clean Air Force of Central Texas and an advisory board member of the Texas Tech University Masters of Public Administration program. Luke, his wife, son and daughters are working to visit every state park in Texas.
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