CalTrans
At a Glance
Industry
Government/Public Administration
Project Types
Sustainability and Energy Management Strategy, Zero Emission Vehicles, Freight and Logistics
Year
2023
Location
Sacramento, CA
Summary
Emily Belding analyzed opportunities to use Caltrans’ highway real estate, or right of way, to support heavy-duty electric charging and hydrogen fueling.
Goals
California has set some of the most ambitious electrification targets in the U.S., including an on-road deployment target for 100% zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by 2045, where feasible. This is a crucial step against climate change as California is a major freight hub with 12 ports and delivers essential goods across the country. Along with the ambition to support electrification and hydrogen fueling, Caltrans also seeks to help alleviate the truck parking shortage California is facing.
As a leader in climate action and safety, Caltrans enlisted Emily Belding to analyze how Caltrans-owned land could support the private development of needed truck parking and zero-emission infrastructure.
Solutions
Emily approached the project in 3 pillars:
- Convened stakeholders across Caltrans by establishing a Working Group to address the development of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure in Caltrans’ right of way. The group included over 20 staff experts representing Caltrans’ Headquarters and District Offices.
- Established and analyzed 10 categories of Caltrans’ land that could support ZEV infrastructure development. Emily analyzed each category in terms of organizational capacity, legality, likely stakeholder support, risk allocation between partners, and financial viability.
- Determined the best option and developed 20 key short-term actions to support the development of ZEV infrastructure in the ROW through Airspace Use Agreements under the guidance of senior leadership. Emily also developed medium- to long-term recommendations that support the development of ZEV infrastructure across more types of Caltrans’ land in the future.
Potential Impact
Emily’s recommendations and final report will be used by the ZEV team, Working Group, and senior leadership at Caltrans to develop an overall strategy for supporting the private development of ZEV infrastructure on Caltrans-owned property. Emily’s recommendations provide the next internal actions to take, stakeholders to engage, and advocacy to be done to move this project forward.
This effort will contribute to a more robust network of EV charging and hydrogen fueling stations, contribute to the growth of jobs in the alternative fueling industry, and encourage zero-emission vehicle adoption.