As the federal policy and funding landscape for zero-emission transportation continues to evolve, state governments are playing an increasingly important role in determining how projects and technologies move forward. For CTE and its members, that means paying closer attention to state-level funding decisions, regulatory programs, and other policies that can directly affect zero-emission vehicle and infrastructure deployments. CTE is dedicating significantly more resources tracking, analyzing, and supporting policies at the state level that are shaping the future of zero-emission transportation.

At the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), we know that lasting change only occurs when clean technologies succeed not just environmentally, but commercially. Our newly released 2025 Impact Report reflects our adaptive approach in a complex policy landscape and highlights our dedication to advancing zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty transportation.

Federal policy may seem removed from day-to-day operations, but the rules being written today can influence everything from how grants are managed to how buses are tested and how transit service is evaluated for years to come. This summer, several significant federal proposals are open for public comment, giving transportation stakeholders an opportunity to help shape those outcomes. CTE encourages all stakeholders across the transportation industry to carefully review the federal register notices for these proposed rule changes, and to weigh in with comments where appropriate.

Seven innovative zero-emission suppliers and 22 transit agencies from across the country gathered in Urbana, Illinois June 3 and 4 to discuss one of the biggest topics in the transit industry today: Hydrogen for the Long Haul. Organized by the Zero Emission Bus Resource Alliance (ZEBRA) in collaboration with the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Council (HFCBC) and Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (CUMTD), this intimate event was the setting for innovative, collaborative conversations over two days of information sharing. Attendees learned and shared insights about overcoming challenges and scaling opportunities for fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs).

CTE is celebrating the successful adoption of Amendment #67 to the BUILD 250 Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, a bipartisan, five-year transportation package that invests in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs.

The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is celebrating the successful adoption of Amendment #099 to HR 8748, the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026. This amendment, authorizing the Transit Vehicle Innovation and Deployment Centers (TVIDC) Program, will have tangible, positive impacts on transit agencies across the country. CTE thanks Representative Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon for her introduction of the measure, and Science and Technology Committee Chair Babin and Ranking Member Lofgren for their support of the amendment’s passage. CTE looks forward to continued partnership with congressional leaders as the bill advances to the House floor.

The CTE Policy Team is charging headfirst into spring with a renewed focus on our legislative priorities. We are actively advocating for our key funding programs and mechanisms and strengthening our network of transit advocates and allies on Capitol Hill and beyond.

The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is proud to announce the appointment of Dorval R. Carter, Jr. to its Board of Directors. A nationally recognized transit leader, Carter brings decades of experience in public transportation leadership and federal transportation policy to the organization.Carter previously served as President of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), one of the largest transit systems in the United States, where he led the agency from 2015 to 2025. During his tenure, he oversaw more than 10,000 employees and guided more than $8 billion in capital investments, including major modernization initiatives, the Red Line Extension project, and the largest railcar procurement in CTA’s history.Prior to leading CTA, Carter served in senior roles at the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration, including Acting Chief of Staff to then–Secretary Anthony Foxx and Acting Deputy Administrator and Chief Counsel at FTA.

As legislators get to work in Washington, D.C., CTE remains engaged in the surface transportation reauthorization process to ensure that the priorities of our members and the broader zero-emission transit industry are reflected in the next surface transportation bill. While the legislative path forward remains uncertain, CTE has identified several priorities based on feedback from our members and industry partners and we are actively communicating these priorities to congressional offices.

The rail system in the United States occupies a unique position in the nation’s transportation landscape: privately operated, built on decades of engineering advances, and deeply shaped by historical energy decisions. It may surprise some to learn that the world’s first electric rail system debuted in 1879 (nearly five decades before the first diesel locomotive), and diesel power didn’t become the dominant force in U.S. rail until the mid-20th century.