skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

NC Pushes for Electric Trucks, School Buses to Cut Carbon Emissions

play audio
Play

Monday, July 11, 2022   

North Carolina businesses and advocacy groups want Gov. Roy Cooper to adopt new heavy-duty electric-vehicle rules by the end of next year. They say the rules would help the state cut carbon emissions and reduce the impacts of climate change.

The move comes as the U.S. Supreme Court has set limits on the ability of federal regulators to implement policies to curb greenhouse-gas emissions from power plants.

Suzanne Merkelson is director of State Policy and Government Affairs at the commercial vehicle manufacturer ARRIVAL. She said semi and garbage trucks and school buses on the roads spew pollution and have a disproportionate impact on carbon emissions.

"They make up just 5% of vehicles on the road, but about 24% of all US transportation emissions," said Merkelson. "So it's really vital that we electrify this sector to improve air quality in our communities."

The Advanced Clean Trucks rule would require a certain percentage of all heavy-duty vehicles to run on clean energy, and the Heavy Duty Omnibus Rule would curb the amount of toxic pollution that trucks running on fossil fuels are allowed to emit.

In 2020, North Carolina joined more than a dozen states in signing a joint memorandum of understanding committing to electrifying new vehicles by 2050.

Critics of EVs point to their cost and the increased need for rare minerals.

But Merkelson pointed to research showing medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles' numerous benefits to air quality and human health. She said the Advanced Clean Trucks rule and the Heavy-Duty Omnibus Rule will also bring a boost to local economies.

"So we can also expect to see total net economic benefits of the ACT and the heavy-duty omnibus rules," said Merkelson, "combined of approximately $118 billion over 25 years."

She said that by the end of the year, ARRIVAL is slated to begin production on an electric van at a manufacturing facility in Charlotte.

"The policies in question are going to be a powerful tool to help reach those goals," said Merkelson. "And we're really happy to see states taking leadership."

Last month, President Joe Biden released new standards for EV charging stations. According to a White House release, the administration plans to build half a million electric-vehicle charging stations nationwide.




get more stories like this via email
more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Environment

play sound

This weekend, Virginians will participate with other birders around the world in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …

Environment

play sound

This weekend, birders across the world, including in Maryland, will participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Thousands of birding enthusiasts …


A new study looking at drought impacts on grasslands found that such lands in China saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity, compared with just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Grasslands are considered a vital component of South Dakota's landscape. But on the heels of new research, an expert suggests they might not fare as …

Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

In its next contract, the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Program faculty union is looking for "reasonable" class sizes and for teachers to easily access remote learning tools when needed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021