EPA Holds Listening Session on Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program

On December 13, 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a virtual listening session on the clean heavy-duty vehicle program established in section 60101 of the IRA. Through that program, EPA can award grants, rebates, and/or contracts to support the replacement of of heavy duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles, support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and train and develop workers.

EPA held the December 13 listening session to obtain input on implementation of the program. In announcing the listening session, EPA asked participants to “come prepared to share your feedback on the program, including:

1. How do you see this program working in conjunction with the existing Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Clean School Bus Program, and programs at other agencies given the overlap in vehicles that could be funded?
2. For which significant Class 6/7 vehicle sectors should EPA prioritize funding?
3. How can EPA ensure the benefits of this program reach low-income and disadvantaged communities?
4. What should EPA consider in the design of the program to encourage grantees to support high quality jobs and adhere to best practices for labor standards, consistent with guidance such as Executive Order 14063 on the Use of Project Labor Agreements and the Department of Labor’s Good Jobs Principles?
5. What metrics should this program use for measuring success and ensuring accountability?”