Virginia has pledged today that at least 30 percent of all new trucks and buses sold in the commonwealth will be zero-emission vehicles by 2030, and 100 percent by 2050. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia have already signed onto the Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Memorandum of Understanding.
“We have seen the potential of these technologies and are deeply supportive of getting off of diesel for these trucks” said Alleyn Harned Director of Virginia Clean Cities. “This will be a lot of work, and a lot of partnership with all levels of government, research, and industry to get there.”
This pledge comes months after forty-nine businesses urged Gov. Northam to join multi-state agreement to electrify medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in a joint letter.
“Volvo Trucks is committed to advancing electromobility, both globally and right here in Virginia,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America in an article by the Electrification Coalition. “Gov. Northam’s participation in the Multi-State Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle MOU would send a strong message to the market that Virginia is ready for vehicle manufacturers to invest in and deploy zero-emission trucks here. These investments will bring good jobs, clean air, energy security and climate protection.”
This is a big step forward in decreasing emissions as medium- and heavy- duty vehicles are a leading source of air pollution here in Virginia.