NJEDA Issues Zero Emission Transportation RFI
TRENTON, N.J. (July 10, 2020) – As part of its efforts to establish New Jersey as a zero emission transportation hub, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking perspectives on electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MDHVs). Input from industry and communities will help to inform the use of proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which are earmarked for climate change reduction, environmental justice and clean energy. Responses to the RFI are due no later than 5:00 PM EST on August 14th, 2020. The RFI is available at /wp-content/uploads/pdfs/rfps/RFI098/2020-RFI-OET-TL-098_Commercial-ZE-MHDV_200709.pdf
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“With its strategic location along the North East corridor and extensive transportation assets, including the nation’s second busiest port and second densest road and rail network, New Jersey depends more than any other state on its ability to move people and goods safely, efficiently, and cleanly. Transportation electrification will help protect New Jersey residents from harmful emissions and pollutants that disproportionately impact environmental justice communities, and will create new opportunities for businesses and workers,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The RFI released today will allow us to hear directly from commercial vehicle owner-operators, manufacturers, related supply chain businesses, and community representatives about their plans and needs so we can craft the right programs to accelerate electrification and localize investment. This is particularly pressing now, as we work to address the health and economic impacts of COVID-19.”
On January 29, 2018, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 7 (EO 7), instructing state government agencies to return New Jersey to full participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is a multi-state, market-based program that establishes a regional cap on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the electric power generation sector allowing for auctioning of emissions rights. New Jersey’s participation in RGGI will provide the State with quarterly auction proceeds that are divided among the NJEDA, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). The State’s inaugural RGGI strategic funding plan, released in April 2020, includes plans to invest an estimated $80 million each year in programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, drive forward projects that boost clean energy and create jobs, protect the health of residents in environmental justice communities, and increase the resiliency of coastal communities.
“Helping New Jersey become a zero emission vehicle state is necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. It is also important to improve air quality, especially in communities already overburdened by pollution,” said NJDEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. “Currently, transportation accounts for the largest share, more than 40 percent, of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey. The RFI released by the NJEDA today is a critical step toward crafting new programs that will build on the Murphy Administration’s efforts to reduce these emissions, to protect our communities and economy from the harmful effects of climate change.”
Electrifying New Jersey’s commercial transportation sectors will play a central role in achieving Governor Murphy’s goal of reducing GHG emissions 80 percent by 2050, which is a major component of the New Jersey Energy Master Plan. In addition to the environmental benefits, cleaning New Jersey’s transportation fleets will also create new jobs and attract investments in the Garden State. Some reporting has assessed that the electric vehicle supply chain market is worth more than $160 billion globally and is growing at a compound rate of close to 25 per cent each year. Tapping into this market will provide significant economic benefits for businesses and workers in New Jersey.
“Increasing the use of zero emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles in New Jersey will improve public health by cutting down on dangerous emissions, reduce electricity costs for all by using the grid more efficiently, and protect consumers from unpredictable fuel costs,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “The information gathered through this RFI will move us closer to achieving Governor Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy and will ensure the State provides the right support industry and businesses need to quickly adopt zero emission MHDVs.”
The RFI released today solicits input from owners, operators, manufacturers and other supply chain businesses, environmental justice advocates, impacted communities, researchers, and other stakeholders to help inform future programming based on RGGI auction proceeds.
Responses to the RFI must be submitted via e-mail to: RFI-MHDVelectrification@njeda.com no later than 5:00 PM EST on August 14th, 2020 with the subject line “RFI Response-2020-RFI-OET-TL-098.”
All questions concerning the RFI must be submitted via e-mail to: RFI-MHDVelectrification@njeda.com no later than 5:00PM EST, on July 22nd, 2020 with the subject line “Questions-2020-RFI-OET-TL-098.” Answers will be publicly posted on the Authority’s website on or about July 24th, 2020 at: https://www.njeda.gov/Bidding-Opportunities-General/Economic-Transformation-RFIs.
Related Work and Procurements
In parallel to the RFI, the NJEDA recently issued a Request for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/P) for zero-emission MHDV market study and programmatic consulting services. The complete RFQ/P is available at https://www.njeda.gov/IPMBidding#104.
About the New Jersey Economic Development Authority
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.
To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses call NJEDA Customer Care at 609-858-6767 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
To read Governor Murphy's full economic plan, please visit: https://nj.gov/economicplan
