Date
Monday, November 13, 2023
Time
5:15 PM - 6:45 PM
Name
Accelerating EVen Access to EV Ownership
Session ID
Poster Presentations
Track
Transportation
Rebecca Hausheer
Description

The transportation sector is the largest source of California’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, comprising nearly 50 percent when taking into account the production, refining, and use of petroleum. To meet California’s climate goals, the state must address transportation-related emissions. Low-income and disadvantaged communities are disproportionately harmed by transportation pollution because they are more often located near congested highways. They are often further harmed by nearby industrial pollution disproportionately located near their communities. California is working to address these inequities through its Environmental and Social Justice (ESJ) Action Plan, which includes deploying charging infrastructure for ESJ communities so they can use electric vehicles to meet their transportation needs. There are several barriers to achieving the state’s goals. Drivers in multifamily housing face additional challenges adopting EVs beyond those experienced by single-family homes. Multi-unit dwellings located within disadvantaged communities typically have limited access to public chargers, since these areas have been historically underdeveloped compared to other communities. Through this session, participants will learn how Los Angeles County’s Public Power-Up Program addresses barriers to EV adoption and the disproportionate pollution burdens faced by ESJ communities. The program helps address environmental justice issues by supplying and installing no-cost electric vehicle charging stations at public agency sites. The program also allows for the electrification of public agency fleets, which can significantly lower operating costs through reduced fuel and maintenance needs. Additionally, EV chargers are a visible display of a public agency’s commitment to sustainability, local clean air, and providing services to the community. Participants that attend this session will be able to learn replicable best practices and key takeaways of a program aimed at spreading equitable EV adoption in environmental justice communities.

Supporting Document 1