CTE endorses the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation (INVEST) in America Act, introduced on June 4 by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ). The $547 billion surface transportation reauthorization bill comes at a critical time to advance clean and innovative transportation technologies and to support our communities through workforce training and air quality improvements.

Focusing on Clean Transit

The INVEST in America Act sets a new standard for investment in transit: $109 billion for urban, suburban, and rural communities over the next five years. Over $4 billion of those funds are allocated specifically to zero-emission buses, which are vital to combating climate change and improving air quality for our communities.The bill goes beyond funding only initial vehicle costs and provides support for planning, technical assistance, and operational changes for transit agencies on the road to electrification. The proposed bill changes the name of the Low-or-No Emission Vehicle Program to the Zero Emission Bus Program-a strong indication of the intent to support a national, zero-emission transit industry. CTE advocated for several key provisions that were included in the latest proposal including increased funding, minimum procurement requirements, and planning incentives for transit agencies moving toward zero-emission fleets.

Developing the American Transit Workforce

Investments in clean transit are accompanied by provisions for workforce training and strong Buy America requirements. Workforce training is critical to ensuring that American workers know how to operate and maintain zero-emission vehicles.The Buy America requirements complement the workforce training measures to ensure that clean transportation jobs stay in the United States. A properly trained workforce will bolster the development of the U.S. zero-emission transportation industry and ensure its competitiveness in global markets.

Driving Toward Equity and Climate Justice

The INVEST in America Act supports advances in transit technology for all of America by creating new programs to reduce transit deserts and improve flexibility in paratransit trips. The bill also creates grant funding for reduced fares for low-income riders and allocates additional funding for low-income and deep poverty areas. Clean transportation and increased transit access in these communities will be a bold step toward climate justice.CTE fully supports the provisions in the INVEST in America Act that will accelerate the transition to an equitable zero-emission transportation system. For over two decades, CTE has spearheaded efforts to bring the United States to the forefront of clean transportation technology development, with the overall goal of reducing emissions and fighting climate change in the transportation sector. We have worked hard to help the transit industry achieve significant technological breakthroughs in recent decades-most notably, the development and successful deployment of zero-emission buses.However, technological and workforce-readiness challenges remain for further deployment and commercialization of these new technologies. The INVEST in America Act will tackle these challenges head on and will push American technology forward. We thank Chairman DeFazio and the committee for making visionary strides towards a clean transportation future.