The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) today announced the successful completion of a Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Transition Plan for Recology, a resource recovery company that provides collection and disposal services to more than 2.5 million individuals and 100,000 businesses across California, Oregon, and Washington.

Local government fleets operate a variety of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles that range from lawnmowers and construction equipment to passenger vehicles and heavy-duty refuse trucks. These complex fleets typically offer easy opportunities for electrification wins that can produce substantial operational savings. However, the state of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) market readiness varies across vehicle and equipment sectors. As a result, ZEV transition planning based on EV availability, feasibility, and suitability is a critical success factor in municipal fleet electrification.

CTE is proud to support the City of Lawrence, Kansas, in its continued transition to a cleaner, more efficient transit system. CTE is leading technical assistance and project management for the city’s latest advanced technology vehicle deployment under the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Program (Low-No).

ZEB Transition Plans are an indispensable tool for agencies to reach their zero-emission goals. Your Transition Plan serves as your primary roadmap for securing future funding, scheduling infrastructure improvements, and procuring vehicles. Our guidebook outlines a nine-phase process to guide transit agencies, or any fleet operator, aiming to transition to zero-emission technologies.

The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is pleased to invite Class 4-8 truck operators who are considering zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) to submit expressions of interest for a complimentary ZEV Transition Plan. This opportunity is made possible through a Strategic Industry Grant from the C.H. Robinson Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations committed to advancing the supply chain and logistics industry through innovation and sustainability.

CTE is pleased to announce the release of the Zero-Emission Bus Transition Planning Guidebook authored by CTE Senior Managing Consultant, Niki Rinaldi El-Abd, with funding provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the National Transit Institute (NTI). This first-of-its-kind transition planning guidebook is designed to equip public transit agencies with the knowledge and tools necessary to plan and implement a successful transition to a zero-emission bus fleet.

The IIJA has transformed the zero-emission transportation landscape, laying a strong foundation for industry growth, U.S. job creation, and technological advancement. As we look to the surface transportation reauthorization in 2026, CTE encourages Congress to continue to support efforts that bolster American innovation, strengthen energy independence, create U.S. jobs, expand zero-emission transportation options, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This Guidebook is intended to give public transit fleet operators the knowledge necessary to plan for a full fleet transition to zero-emission technologies with a ZEB Transition Plan.

Infrastructure Week and the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 offer a timely opportunity to highlight how airports can electrify airport ground vehicles, which include vehicles and equipment that service both landside and airside operations at an airport. However, if this electrification is to occur, airports first need to plan.