AFV-TAG Archive

On this page you will find AFV-TAG Meeting Summaries for

2023 AFV-TAG Meeting Summaries

Nov 16, 2023 - NEVI Program Update from the Joint Office, PNW Hydrogen Hub Updates from Commerce, and More

We’re pleased that Heather Richardson, Western Region Technical Assistance Lead for the U.S. Office of Energy and Transportation, joined us to discuss how the Joint Office is implementing the National EV Infrastructure Program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Joint Office is available to provide technical assistance to communities, tribes, school districts, transit agencies, and others who are deploying zero- and low-emission fueling infrastructure.

We also learned about:

  • Grant updates and recent work on renewable diesel.
  • The Medium- and Heavy-Duty Incentive Program study underway by CALSTART and PNWER for the Joint Transportation Committee of the Legislature.
  • Washington’s selection as one of the U.S. DOE’s Hydrogen Hub projects and related updates by Commerce staff.
  • Early results of the Commerce study about opportunities to produce and use electrolytic hydrogen in industry and transportation.

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag-2023-november/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:03:17 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:11:50 What’s up with R-99?
    • Randy Thorn, P.E., Senior Engineer, WSU Energy Program
  • 0:21:13 Joint Office of Energy & Transportation
    • Heather Richardson, USDOT, Volpe Transportation Center
  • 1:06:45 MHD Vehicle Incentives Study
    • Betz Mayer, PWNER RIA
  • 1:20:45 Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub
    • Shannon Pressler, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 1:44:00 Green Electrolytic Hydrogen and Renewable Fuels: Recommendations for Deployment in Washington
    • Stephani Celt, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 2:20:25 Closing Discussion

Sept 21, 2023 – Planning for New Grants, Technical Assistance Available

In this meeting we discussed:

  • Olympia and Washington policy updates
  • Electrification industry news and information
  • New funding opportunities for EVs
  • EV charging infrastructure – planning for new grants and technical assistance available to support your fleets

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag-2023-september/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:02:53 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:21:12 ZEV Innovation: Rural and Agricultural Electrification
    • Bridget Callahan, Sustainable NW
    • Robert Wallace, Wy’East RC&D
  • 1:01:04 Community Charging Infrastructure Funding
    • Emma Wyma, WA Dept. of Commerce
    • Jonathan Changus, Center for Sustainable Energy
    • Fidel Leon-Green, Center for Sustainable Energy
  • 1:53:23 Closing Discussion

July 20, 2023 – Developments in EV Charging Standards, Fleet MHD Reporting Requirements

In the July AFV-TAG meeting, we discussed news and updates about the EV space:

  • Grants - awards and new opportunities
  • Updates about the NEVI program affecting Washington
  • Ongoing developments in EV charging standards (CCS & Tesla/NACS)
  • Fleet MHD reporting requirements (Ecology)
  • Peer-to-peer discussions about vehicle tests and Ride-and-Drive events

[Meeting Materials]
WSDOT update: EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan for NEVI 2023
Ecology’s One-Time Fleet Reporting Requirement

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag-2023-july/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:02:31 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:14:50 Washington NEVI Program
    • Tonia Buell, WA Dept. of Transportation
  • 0:44:54 Additional Announcements
  • 0:48:48 Ecology: Medium- and Heavy-Duty Fleet Survey
    • Joshua Grandbouche, ZEV Specialist
  • 1:05:16 Panel Discussion: Equipment Test and Ride-and-Drives
    • Dan Zenger, City of Vancouver
    • Rick Giddings, City of Spokane
    • Adam Russell, City of Spokane
    • Melody Bennett, King County
  • 1:54:53 Closing Discussion

May 18, 2023 – Charged: A History of Batteries and Lessons for a Clean Energy Future

Our spring meeting featured:

  • An in-depth discussion with featured speaker Dr. James Turner, Professor of Environmental Studies at Wellesley College, about his recent book, Charged: A History of Batteries and Lessons for a Clean Energy Future, which explores why solving the battery problem is crucial to a clean energy transition.
  • Updates about bills and budgets passed during the 2023 Legislative session.
  • Briefings about recent events hosted by PNWER and Forth.

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag-2023-may/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:03:15 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:20:40 Legislative Overview
    • Peter Moulton
  • 0:41:11 PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator: Medium- and Heavy-Duty Charging
    • Betz Mayer, Assistant Director, PNWER
  • 1:03:12 Charged: A History of Batteries and Lessons for a Clean Energy Future
    • Jay Turner, Wellesley College, Environmental Studies Department
  • 1:50:23 Closing Discussion

March 16, 2023 – Regional EV Collaborative Website Launch, Equity in Transportation Electrification

The pace of change in the EV space continues to accelerate! This meeting included updates on the following important topics:

  • Legislative updates from Jim Jensen, Director of Washington’s Green Transportation Program
  • Grant and funding updates from Washington State Dept. of Transportation
  • Launch of the Regional EV (REV) Collaborative website from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
  • Clean Cities Coalitions introduction of the Equitable Mobility Powering Opportunities for Workplace Electrification Readiness (EMPOWER) program
  • Equity in Transportation Electrification from Front and Centered

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag-2023-march/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:04:05 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:15:41 Celebrate Clean Cities
    • Michael Graham, Deputy Director, Clean Cities
  • 42:17 Additional Announcements
  • 0:46:25 Department of Transportation Grants
    • Kara Symonds, ZEVIPP
    • Megan Reardon, ZAP
  • 1:02:30 Puget Sound REV Collaboration
    • Kelly O’Callahan, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
  • 1:17:03 Equity in Transportation Electrification
    • Paulo Nunes-Ueno, Front and Centered
  • 1:50:40 Closing Discussion

Jan 19, 2023 – Biofuels & Transportation Electrification Legislation, SCL’s Fleet Make-Ready Program

Our first meeting of the new year included important updates from Olympia about plans and funding opportunities from the Dept. of Commerce, and reports from policy specialists about what the legislature will consider this session regarding biofuels and transportation electrification.

Seattle City Light also shared insights about their fleet make-ready program, and plans for public and workplace EV charging infrastructure. How could this inform your interactions with electric utility service providers?

[Meeting Materials]
Clean Transportation Legislative and Program Overview
Alternative Fuel Reporting Program
Seattle City Light Transportation Electrification

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag-2023-january/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:02:13 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:10:34 WA Dept. of Commerce Advances Clean Transportation in Washington
    • Deborah Reynolds, Steven Hershkowitz, Steven Polunsky, Aviv Berstein
  • 0:56:04 Seattle City Light Transportation Electrification
    • Ambika Coletti, ICF
    • Patrick Campbell, Seattle City Light
    • Alex Trecha, ICF
    • Taylor Patterson, ICF
  • 1:44:23 Closing Discussion

2022 AFV-TAG Meeting Summaries

Nov 17, 2022 – EPA Electric School Bus Grants, Upcoming EV Models

At our November meeting, we discussed:

  • EPA electric school bus grants with local partners
  • Learn about EV models coming in 2023 and resources available to help you keep up with new model availability
  • Hear an update from the Dept. of Enterprise Services about their fleet alternative fuels and electrification efforts.

[Meeting Recording]
https://energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv_tag-20221117/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:02:30 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:16:59 Lessons from Electric School Bus Deployments in Washington
    • Scott Meyer, Schetky Bus & Van Sales
  • 0:58: Enterprise Services Fleet Purchasing & Procurement
    • John Lucas, WA Dept. of Enterprise Services
  • 1:39:43 Closing Discussion

Sept 15, 2022 – Charging Infrastructure Business Models

We heard about new charging infrastructure business models and the charging-as-a-service program offered by the City of Portland and OpConnect. Speakers addressed:

  • Lessons learned at the Green Transportation Summit & Expo
  • A new grant opportunity for electric fire trucks
  • Installing EVSE with funding from the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency

[Meeting Materials]
The Pollution Liability Insurance Agency (PLIA) Underground Storage Tank (UST) Revolving Loan and Grant Program

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_september-2022/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:04:08 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:12:53 New Grant Announcement
    • Molly Spiller, WA Dept. of Ecology
  • 0:24:10 Electric Fire Equipment Vendors – US
    • Andrea Tousignant, Ions for EVs
  • 0:28:04 Pollution Liability Insurance Agency: Funding Opportunity for EV Infrastructure
    • Phy Li, J.D., PLIA
    • Jamie Hays, PLIA
  • 1:03:50 EV as a Charging Service
    • Bates, City of Portland
    • Amy Hillman, OpConnect
  • 1:51:13 Closing Discussion

July 20, 2022 – Clean Fuel Program, Rural Energy, Data in Fleet EV Transitions

We:

  • Heard the latest from the Dept. of Ecology about the draft rule for the Clean Fuel Program.
  • Discussed what the Dept. of Commerce is developing around biofuels, renewable hydrogen, and programs for rural energy.
  • Learned about the importance of data to fleet EV transitions, and the value of telematics and managed charging to these efforts.

[Meeting Materials]
Dept. of Ecology - Clean Fuel Standards – please contact us at greentransportation@energy.wsu.edu
Dept. of Commerce – Green Hydrogen and Renewable Fuels
Data Capture and Planning for Fleet Electrification – Sawatch Labs
Frontier Energy
DSK
Heavy-Duty Electrification – Volvo North America

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_july-2022/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:03:09 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:16:37 Clean Fuel Standard Rulemaking
    • Abbey Brown, WA Dept. of Ecology
  • 0:52:46 Olympia Zone
    • Stephanie Celt, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 1:22:23 Data Capture and Planning for Fleet Electrification
    • Mary Till, Sawatch Labs
    • Chris White, Frontier Energy
    • Mike Usen, DKS Associates
  • 2:25:45 Heavy-Duty Electrification
    • Andrea Pratt, Volvo North America
  • 2:44:08 Closing Discussion

May 20, 2022 – Preparing for Upcoming EV Opportunities

In the May AFV-TAG meeting, we discussed:

  • EV infrastructure planning from the state legislature
  • The next round of Electrification of Transportation System (ETS) grants
  • Rulemaking for EVSE regulations
  • Tools for identifying vehicles to electrify
  • Working with utilities on charging system

[Meeting Materials]
Roadmap for ZEV Infrastructure Deployment
Public Fleet Electrification Planning: Identifying Candidate EVs
EV Charging Considerations: DCFC vs. AC Level 2 - How to Work with Utilities

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag-2022-may/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:04:40 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:14:05 Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Updates
    • Tonia Buell, WA Dept. of Transportation
  • 0:53:49 Clean Energy Fund 5: Electrification of Transportation Systems
    • Nick Manning, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 1:18:17 EVSE Regulations Rulemaking
    • Gloriann Robinson, WA Dept. of Agriculture
  • 1:41:13 Milestones: Identifying Candidate EVs
    • Andrea Tousignant, Ions for EVs
  • 2:05:31 Milestones: DCFC and Managed Charging
    • Jon Jantz, Collaborative Efficiency
  • 2:44:40 Closing Discussion

March 18, 2022 – Diesel Alternatives, News from Olympia, ZEV Infrastructure Resources

March 18th happens to be the birth anniversary of Rudolf Diesel, credited with inventing the diesel engine. While diesel engines powered much of the economic activity of the last century, they have resulted in significant impacts: greenhouse gas emissions and unhealthy air pollution.

The time has come to find and implement alternatives to reduce those impacts as quickly as possible. This starts with cleaner, bio and renewable diesel fuels, followed by electrified powertrains in the coming decades. Hear about these diesel alternatives, including the new Electric Island showcase for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in Portland, capitol news from Olympia, and updates about WSDOT’s state and federal resources for corridor infrastructure for ZEVs.

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_march-2022/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:03:14 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:09:43 Welcome Stephanie & Steven
    • Stephanie Celt, Renewable Fuels and Hydrogen, WA Dept. of Commerce
    • Steven Polunsky, Clean Transportation, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 0:30:33 Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Partnership 2022
    • Kara Symonds and Tonia Buell, WA Dept. of Transportation
  • 1:02:43 Renewable Energy Group, Inc.
    • Jeremiah Jones, REGI
  • 1:35:50 Alternative Diesel Fuels Panel Discussion
    • Jeff Carter, Clark PUD
    • Amy Regimbal, Oregon DOT
    • Gary Lentsch, Eugene Water & Electric Board
  • 2:15:16 Electric Island
    • Adam Morey, Daimler Trucks
    • Ian Beil, Grid Edge Engineer, Portland General Electric
  • 2:56:15 Closing Discussion

Jan 21, 2022 – WSDOT’s Mapping & Forecasting Tool for ZEV Infrastructure

We talked about new green transportation program resources, grants and funding opportunities, and then have an open discussion about WSDOT’s mapping and forecasting tool for ZEV infrastructure.

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_january-2022/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:01:52 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:26:53 New ZEV & Clean Truck Rules
    • Dustin Watson, Mobile Source and Air Quality Specialist, WA Dept. of Ecology
  • 0:56:23 Zap Grants – WA Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT)
    • Megan Reardon, Grant Analyst, WSDOT
    • Tonia Buell, Innovative Partnerships, WSDOT
  • 1:41:25 School Bus Electrification
    • Alison Wiley, E-School Bus Learning Project
    • Neil Baunsgard, The Environmental Center

2021 AFV-TAG Meeting Summaries

Nov 19, 2021 – Planning ZEV Infrastructure

At our final meeting of the year, we discussed new green transportation program resources, grants and funding opportunities and then discussed WSDOT’s mapping and forecasting tool for ZEV infrastructure.

[Meeting Materials]
Infrastructure: Planning Our ZEV Future

[Meeting Recording]
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_november-2021_part01/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:06:10 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:13:54 Milestones for Electrifying Public Fleets
    • Andrea Tousignant, Consultant, Ions for EV
  • 0:40:03 Infrastructure Week: Celebrating the Passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
  • 0:54:08 Experience with Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Funding
    • Nicola Graham, NW Seaport Alliance
    • Graham VanderSchelden, NW Seaport Alliance
  • 1:26:22 Closing Discussion
https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_november-2021_part02/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:00:18 WA Dept. of Transportation Mapping & Forecasting Tool Discussion
    • Peter Slowik, Senior Researcher, ICCT
  • 0:37:55 West Coast Electric Highway Mapping & Forecasting Tool
  • 1:16:40 Closing Discussion

Sept 17, 2021 – Rulemaking on Key EV Legislation

This meeting focused on the rulemaking taking place on key EV-related legislation passed this spring, including clean fuel credit generation, EVSE mapping and forecasting, and EV infrastructure standards. We also heard updates from the other Washington about prospects for the bipartisan infrastructure package and budget reconciliation bill, and what state and local governments might expect to advance transportation electrification.

[Meeting Materials]
Commerce presentation
NASEO presentation

[Meeting Recording]
link:https://energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_september-2021/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:04:35 Clean Transportation Rulemaking Update
  • 0:57:04 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Transportation Electrification Summary
    • David Terry, NASEO
    • Cassie Powers, NASEO
  • 1:56:38 Alternative Fuels & Vehicles Technical Advisory Group

July 16, 2021 – Funding Opportunities for Public Fleets

We looked at more funding opportunities for public fleets, including results of the Dept. of Commerce’s Electrification of Transportation Systems (ETS) grants, and heard from award winners about the keys to their success.

[Meeting Materials]
Rulemaking Updates
Electrification of Transportation Systems Updates

[Meeting Recording]
link:https://energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_july-2021/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:03:22 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:07:26 EV Batteries: Getting Better All the Time
    • Andrea Tousignant, Consultant, Ions for EVs
  • 0:18:58 Electrification of Transportation Systems Grants Report
    • Forrest Watkins, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 0:51:19 Discussion with ETS Grant Winners
    • Danielle Kievit, Puget Sound Energy
    • Kylee Jones, Spokane Regional Transit Council
  • 1:51:13 Clean Transportation Rulemaking Update
  • 2:03:52 Roundtable
  • 2:15:58 Closing Discussion

May 21, 2021 – Key New Legislation, Environmental Justice & Inclusion

We discussed results of key legislation from this year’s legislative session, learned about how agencies are addressing environmental justice and inclusion, and continued to focus on grants and successful grant projects.< /p>

[Meeting Materials]
M Breish ppt

[Meeting Recording]
link: https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_may-2021/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:05:22 Announcements & Updates
  • 00:13:44 What is WA Dept. of Transportation doing to include environmental justice communities?
    • Alberto Valentin, Office of Equal Opportunity
    • Charlene Kay, Eastern Region Planning Office
    • Carol Lee Roalkvam, HQ – Environmental Office
  • 01:03:09 May 2021 Capital Report: Major Milestones for Washington
    • Michael Breish, Energy Policy Specialist, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 02:10:57 Roundtable: What Are Your Next Milestones?
  • 02:27:54 Closing Discussion

March 19, 2021 – Spring Forward

Hope, like spring, is in the air. The arrival of mass vaccinations and economic relief for state and local governments are a real one-two shot in the arm for the future. Our spring AFV-TAG meeting  continued our focus on Washington grants, with emphasis on WSDOT green transit funding and previous award winners. This meeting also looked forward to future grants with valuable information from the Environmental Justice Taskforce and data resources from the Washington Tracking Network (WA Dept. of Health).

[Meeting Recording]
link: https://energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_march-2021/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:02:40 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:06:03 Greening Public Transportation Programs at WA Dept. of Transportation
    • Jill Nordstrom, Grants and Community Partnership Manager, WA Dept. of Transportation
    • Ralph Wilder, Vehicle & Facility Manager, Spokane Transit
    • Karl Otterstrom, Director of Planning & Development, Spokane Transit
  • 1:00:37 Capital Update: News from Olympia
    • Michael Breish, Energy Policy Specialist, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 1:32:00 Environmental Justice Taskforce: Recommendations and Opportunities
    • Elise Rasmussen, Taskforce Project Manager, WA Board of Health
  • 2:08:20 Washington Tracking Network: Why & How for Transportation
    • Jennifer Sabel, Senior Epidemiologist , WA Dept. of Health
    • Lauren Freelander, Epidemiologist , WA Dept. of Health
  • 2:42:15 Closing Discussion

Jan 15, 2021 – State Energy Strategy & the Upcoming Legislative Session

In our first meeting of 2021, our panelists discussed topics related to the State Energy Strategy, the Governor’s budget and the transportation budget.
Meeting materials:
M Breish ppt

[Meeting Recording]
link: https://energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_january-2021

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:01:58 Announcements
  • 0:03:56 Capital Update: News from Olympia
    • Michael Breish, Energy Policy Specialist, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 0:49:46 Infrastructure Watch: Funding Opportunities and Successes
    • Jennifer Harper, Business & Programs Developer, Energy Northwest
  • 1:20:08 Washington State Master Contracts
    • Sean Hoffert, Contract Manager, WA Dept. of Enterprise Services
  • 1:39:34 WSDOT ZEVIP for 2021
    • Tonia Buell, Project Development Manager, WA Dept. of Transportation
  • 1:58:00 Renewable Hydrogen: Washington Developments
    • Dave Warren, Renewable Hydrogen Association and Western Hydrogen Alliance
    • Cam LeHouillier, Energy Research and Development, Tacoma Power
    • Jason Sekhon, Advanced Technology Research, Toyota North America
  • 2:45:04 Closing Discussion

2020 AFV-TAG Meeting Summaries

Nov 2020 - Challenges as Small Cities Plan & Implement Alt Fuel & Electrification Strategies

Our panelists discussed the challenges small cities face as they plan and implement alt fuel and electrification strategies to meet local and state goals. We heard about legislative updates, including a report about the Joint Transportation Committee study on the benefits and costs of electrifying public fleets in Washington. We also continued our conversation about social justice in transportation.

Meeting materials:
Electrification Assessment of Public Vehicles in Washington
Analyzing Electrification of Public Vehicle Fleets in Washington State

[Meeting Recording]
link: https://energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_november-2020/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:04:03 Equity in Transportation – Part 2
    • Michael Breish, Energy Policy Specialist, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 1:02:01 Local and Small City Fleet Experiences: Auburn, Edmonds, Kirkland, Sequim
    • Anne Soule, Resource Manager, City of Sequim Public Works Dept.
    • Archie Ferguson, Fleet Manager, City of Kirkland
    • Tyler Thompson, Fleet/General Services Manager, City of Auburn
    • Mike Adams, Fleet Manager, City of Edmonds
  • 2:01:00 JTC Report: Analyzing Electrification of Public Vehicle Fleets in Washington

Sept 2020 – On the Road – Vancouver

In keeping with our “On the Road” theme this year, Michael and Jim will use the magic of the internet to travel down Interstate 5 to visit with green transportation leaders in SW Washington, especially in the City of Vancouver and Clark County. In addition to electrification efforts in light-duty vehicles, the county will be home to electric school and transit buses in the near future. Also, don’t miss the chance to learn how neighboring fleets have joined together to get renewable diesel fuel at reasonable prices.

[Meeting Recording]
link: https://energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_september-2020/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:04:03 Equity in Transportation – Part 2
  • 0:02:00 I-5 Electrification for Transit & Freight
    • Megan Weinman, Product Development Manager, Puget Sound Energy
  • 0:30:12 E-transit: Electrifying Corridors for Regional Mobility
    • Joe Clark, Executive Director, Twin Transit
    • Andrea Culleto, Community Relations Director, Twin Transit
  • 1:11:24 Legislative and Funding Report
    • Michael Breish, Energy Policy Specialist, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 1:45:13 Fleets & Equity: An Introduction and Invitation
    • Michael Breish, Energy Policy Specialist, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 1:57:48 Local City and Transit Fleet Experiences: City of Vancouver
    • Jacob Mahan, Equipment Supervisor, City of Vancouver
    • Jeff Carter, Fleet Services Manager, Clark PUD
  • 2:40:52 Closing Discussion

July 2020 – Cancelled

In response to Gov. Jay Inslee’s furlough directive to help the state reduce costs and weather the economic fallout of the pandemic, the Department of Commerce will be closed on July 17th. We anticipate many other state agencies who regularly participate in our bimonthly AFV-TAGs will be unable to participate as well. As a result, the July 2020 AFV-TAG meeting is cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.

May 2020 – On the Road – Spokane

In May we visited with green transportation heroes in the Spokane region, including a review with Rendall Farley of Avista’s report on their EVSE pilot program (here). It’s a wealth of valuable lessons learned about planning and installing EV infrastructure. He also shared their well-crafted plan to make a big difference toward expanding EV adoption and EV infrastructure. We also heard about green fleet progress from Nathan Groh, City of Spokane, and Steve Blaska, Spokane Transit. We finished with a deep discussion about serving communities through electrification, featuring Breean Beggs, President, Spokane City Council President; Lars Gilberts, CEO of University District; and Sabrina Minshall, Executive Director of Spokane Regional Transportation Council.

[Meeting Recording]
link: https://energy.wsu.edu/videos/alt-fuels-vehicles-technical-assistance-group-meeting_may-2020/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:03:41 Announcements and Updates
  • 17:08 Avista Plans for Transportation Electrification
    • Rendall Farley, Electrification Manager, Avista
  • 1:01:55 Local City and Transit Fleet Experiences: City of Spokane
    • Nathan Groh, Sustainable Transportation Analyst, City of Spokane
    • Steve Blaska, Chief Operations Officer, Spokane Transit
  • 1:50:28 Panel Discussion: Serving Communities through Electrification
    • Breean Beggs, Spokane City Council President
    • Lars Gilberts, CEO, University District
    • Sabrina Minshall, Executive Director, Spokane Regional Transportation Council
  • 2:54:15 Closing Discussion

Mar 2020 – On the Road – Tri-Cities

Representatives from several public fleets and organizations in the Tri-Cities shared experiences with alt fuels and electrification successes from their region of Washington. Jennifer Harper, Energy Northwest, presented on Tri-City Transportation Electrification. Representatives from city, transit, and utility fleets discussed their experiences and obstacles about using electricity and renewable natural gas as fuels. Michael Kintner-Meyer, Pacific NW Nat’l Lab, gave results from their research about the impacts of EVs on electrical grids.

[Meeting Recording]
link: https://www.energy.wsu.edu/videos/afv-tag_march-2020/

Timestamps for Key Contents

  • 0:00:00 Introductions
  • 0:09:07 Announcements & Updates
  • 0:14:40 March 2020 Legislative Report
    • Peter Moulton, Senior Energy Policy Specialist, WA Dept. of Commerce
  • 0:39:40 Tri-Cities Transportation Electrification
    • Jennifer Harper, Energy Northwest
  • 1:08:19 Local Fleet & Utility Experiences: City of Richland
    • Pete Rogalsky, Public Works Director, City of Richland
    • Kevin Willis, Fleet Manager, City of Richland
    • Keith Hall, Director of Planning and Service, Benton-Franklin Transit
    • Bill Hale, Fleet Manager, Benton-Franklin Transit
    • Troy Berglund, Community Relations and Member Services Manager, Benton Rural Electric Association
    • Ron Mitchell, Benton Rural Electric Association, Electrical Advisor
  • 2:02:49 Grid Capacity for EVs at Scale
    • Michael Kintner-Meyer and Sarah Davis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
  • 2:57:15 Closing Discussion

Jan 2020– Progress at State and Local Levels

In addition to legislative and policy updates, this meeting featured presentations by Andrea Pratt, manager of the Drive Clean Seattle Program. She shared a report and photos about electric transportation from a recent visit to Norway. Philip Saunders, manager of Seattle’s Green Fleet Program, presented the latest about Seattle’s Green Fleet Action Plan and their pioneering use of renewable diesel and renewable gasoline in Washington.

2019 AFV-TAG Meeting Summaries

Nov 2019 – School Buses

This meeting focused on electric school buses, in part because of a grant opportunity from the Department of Ecology. Grant applications were due in December. We heard about the grant program from an Ecology representative. We also heard about the experience of the Franklin-Pierce School District, the first in the state to receive and demonstrate an electric school bus. This was followed by technical presentations from several OEMs, including Blue Bird, Lion, and Proterra-Thomas.

Sept 2019 – Transit Buses

This meeting focused on zero-emission transit buses, in part because of the Green Transportation Grant program being developed by WSDOT for transit agencies. First applications were due in the fall. A WSDOT representative discussed the grant program. We learned about a variety of electric and fuel-cell transit buses through presentations from several OEMs, including BYD, Gillig, New Flyer, and Proterra.