December 2023 Gasoline Phaseout News
Don’t Judge Gasoline Superusers, Help Them
Some people argue that Gasoline Superusers (drivers in the top 10% in terms of their gasoline use) should not be given additional EV incentives because they should not be “rewarded” for driving a lot and using large amounts of gasoline. Coltura takes a different view.
The drivers who use the most gasoline are disproportionately concentrated in low-density exurban and rural areas where transit is not generally a practical option, and distances are too long for biking or walking. The question therefore is not whether they will drive (they will because they must), but rather the amount of pollution they cause when they drive.
Many financially-stretched Superusers need substantial EV incentives to get over the hump of purchasing a new EV. Denying them the incentives they need to make the switch will perpetuate their consumption of vast amounts of gasoline and the flow of a substantial portion of their income to the oil industry.
Combating climate change requires curtailing the biggest sources of carbon emissions as fast as possible. Switching Superusers to EVs is one of the fastest, most impactful, and lowest-cost ways to achieve this goal.
Pointing fingers at Superusers gets in the way of solving the climate crisis. Instead, we must offer a hand to those most dependent on gasoline to make the switch to EVs.
Matching Challenge on NOW: Double Your Impact!
Coltura is using data-driven approaches to reduce polluting, planet-warming vehicle emissions faster, more efficiently and more equitably. Thanks to supporters like you, we have made great progress on our mission.
In the last year alone, we’ve developed new datasets that enabled us to map gasoline consumption across the US down to the census block group level for the first time in history. We’ve advanced policies in multiple states to focus on helping the most gasoline-burdened families switch to EVs.
Thanks to a small group of staunch supporters, through the end of this month your gift to Coltura will be DOUBLED. Give $100 and Coltura gets $200! Will you support our work? Every dollar counts. Your support is essential and very much appreciated.
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Washington State Strategy Adopts Coltura Policy Recommendations
The Washington State Department of Commerce unveiled its Transportation Electrification Strategy (TES) to align and supercharge EV programs across state government. The legislature had mandated the plan as part of the Clean Cars 2030 legislation that Coltura advanced in the 2021-22 legislative sessions. The plan includes Coltura’s recommendations to prioritize high-consumption fuel users (Gasoline Superusers) – especially lower-income drivers who must drive long distances and are the most burdened by the cost of gasoline.
The recommendations build on findings from a June 2023 report by the Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee “Encouraging High-Consumption Fuel Users to
Use Electric Vehicles” study.
Coltura has been actively engaging state officials urging them to better track gasoline use and prioritize gasoline reductions in their programs. In the coming year, we’ll be working with legislature and state agencies to ensure that these recommendations are incorporated in state EV programs.
Michigan to Electrify State Fleet – Starting with Vehicles Using Most Gas
On December 5th, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the state will transition its vehicle fleet to fully electric- 100% of light-duty vehicles by 2033 and medium-duty vehicles by 2040. Thanks to advocacy by Coltura and our allies at the Ecology Center, Michigan’s fleet electrification plan prioritizes electrifying the government vehicles using the most gasoline first.
Here’s what our policy director, Rob Sargent had to say:
“We applaud Governor Whitmer and Michigan’s leaders for taking action to increase the state government’s use of EVs, starting with vehicles that use the most gasoline. Switching the vehicles that use the most gasoline to EVs first will save the taxpayers the most money by slashing the amount the government spends on fuel, and it will maximize public health and climate benefits by cutting climate pollution faster. “
Federal Employees Directed to Choose EVs for Rentals
The White House issued a directive to federal employees to select EVs over gas vehicles when they rent cars for official travel, provided costs are comparable or cheaper. Government employees were also instructed to opt for electric vehicle Lyft, Uber and taxi rides where available. Federal travel accounts for 1.8% of federal greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, federal employees had 2.3 million vehicle rentals.
Citizens in Mendocino County Campaign to Block New Redwood Valley Gas Station
Citizens in Mendocino County, a rural county 125 miles north of San Francisco, are protesting against the siting of a new gas station in Redwood Valley. The operator of the proposed gas station was previously charged with 64 violations of health and safety codes. The opponents of the gas station are also seeking a ban on new gas station construction in Mendocino County, similar to one recently passed in Sonoma County.
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Gasoline Disaster of the Month: Olympic Pipeline in Skagit County, WA
Conway, WA became the scene of an environmental emergency this month as a pipeline leak from the Olympic Pipeline unleashed more than 30,000 gallons of gasoline. The spill continued over several days. The Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that the leaked gasoline also entered the nearby Bulson Creek— risking the area’s water supply and containment of the damage.
Culture Corner: EV Charging Becoming One with Everyday Life
US companies are finally beginning to address one of the major barriers to widespread adoption. The Inflation Reduction Act’s infusion of billions into charging infrastructure has sparked a wave of announcements and partnerships aimed at constructing an extensive network of charging stations across the country.
Most recently, GM announced a partnership with Pilot J to install 2,000 charging stations at 500 sites by the project’s completion. On top of that, Mercedes-Benz committed over $1 billion, partnering with MN8 Energy, to deploy 2,500 chargers at 400 hubs across North America, including Buc-ee’s travel centers. Volvo is also installing fast chargers at Starbucks along a 1,350-mile route. The collaborative efforts signal a significant step in the right direction to accelerate wider use of EVs.
