Justin Bibb and Climate Mayors embrace EVs
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Climate Mayors, the national network of U.S. mayors mobilizing around climate policy, pledges to electrify at least half of members' municipal fleets by 2030.
Why it matters: Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb chairs Climate Mayors, which was established in 2014.
- The group believes that wider EV adoption delivers vast benefits, including cost savings, cleaner air, and good-paying jobs in a burgeoning industry.
Driving the news: The nearly 350 mayors also committed to dramatically increasing electric vehicle (EV) chargers in their communities.
- Part of the group's pledge is ensuring that 40% of the new charging infrastructure benefits disadvantaged communities.
Between the lines: The pledge is a response to the Biden administration's goal to make 50% of all new vehicle sales electric by 2030.
What they're saying: "I'm excited by our collective commitment," Bibb said in a statement. "Transportation accounts for tons of toxic emissions, and it's up to us to lead by example by prioritizing clean technologies."
Reality check: As of last year, Cleveland's EV registration rate was among the lowest in big cities nationwide.
- EVs accounted for only 2.2% of new vehicle registrations in the metro area, up marginally from 1.9% in January the previous year.
The big picture: Ohio plans to spend $169 million in federal dollars to install EV charging stations across the state over the next five years.
Go deeper: Cleveland police piloting locally made e-motorcycles