Should Electric Vehicles be Illinois’ Future?

By: Jacob Regan

While electric vehicles play a vital role in Illinois’ future, upgrading public transportation is essential to creating a greener Illinois. As the new year begins, expect to see electric vehicles become a more prominent part of everyday life. The number of people using electric vehicles is rising: in November 2017, Illinois had an electric vehicle count of 8031^[1]; at the end of last year, that number was 57311.^[2] On the political side, Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth secured $8.215 million for statewide programs for electric buses, charging infrastructure, and electric paratransit vehicles.^[3] This money is also to be used for electric vehicle readiness programs across the state.^[4]

Electric Vehicle Legislation in Illinois

By Journal Editor

On December 2, 2022

In News & Announcements

Electric Vehicle Legislation in Illinois

By: Rachel Grudzinski

Legislators throughout the country and at multiple levels of government are passing legislation making clear that Electric vehicles (“EV”) are the future. On the federal level the Biden administration is investing “$7.5 billion to build a national network of 500,000 EV chargers,” more than $7 billion to provide domestic manufacturers with critical minerals and other components to make batteries, and “over $10 billion for clean transit and school buses.”[1] Likewise, legislators here in Illinois are similarly prioritizing EV through legislation. In 2021 Illinois passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which set out a goal to have one million EVs on the road by 2030.[2]

Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Bill Could Harm the Communities it Aims to Serve

By Journal Editor

On January 31, 2022

In News & Announcements

A new Illinois (IL) bill, the Beneficial Electrification Act, would require the installation of electric vehicle (EV) ready parking spaces at all newly constructed and renovated buildings, both residential and commercial. The bill was approved by the Illinois General Assembly’s House Energy and Environment Committee on January 11, 2022.^[1]

State Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) introduced the bill which would not require the installation of the actual charging stations, rather, the parking spaces would need to be “EV ready,” meaning the installation of the electrical wiring, circuits, and outlets necessary to support a Level 2 charging station.^[2]

California Governor’s Executive Order Pushes Phase-Out of Gas-Powered Cars by 2035

By Journal Editor

On October 8, 2020

In News & Announcements, In the News, Blog Posts

On September 23, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order (“Order”) directing that “all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California be zero-emission vehicles by 2035.”[1] The order’s public announcement emphasizes concern over smog and toxic diesel emissions and notes that half of California’s carbon pollution originates from the transportation sector.[2] The Order prioritizes deploying zero emissions technologies to “reduce both greenhouse gas emissions and toxic air pollutants that disproportionately burden our disadvantaged communities of color.”[3]

Chicago-Kent Journal of Environmental and Energy Law

Tag: Electric Vehicles