Examining Perceptions and Priorities of Heavy-Duty Transportation Electrification Projects: How Considerations of Justice Can Improve Project Implementation in Environmental Justice Communities
Skip to main content
eScholarship
Open Access Publications from the University of California

UC Davis

UC Davis Electronic Theses and Dissertations bannerUC Davis

Examining Perceptions and Priorities of Heavy-Duty Transportation Electrification Projects: How Considerations of Justice Can Improve Project Implementation in Environmental Justice Communities

Abstract

ABSTRACTScope/Background The focus on deployed charging for EJCs1 has been largely facilitated by Senate Bill 350 (SB 350) or, the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act. SB 350 mandates an allocation of proceeds to projects that provide a benefit to “disadvantaged communities (DACs)” with provisions requiring that these proceeds be given to projects located in EJCs. Research Gap Policy alone is not enough for constituents to visualize long-term benefits in a quantitative manner. Currently, there is no clear method for quantifying EJC benefits or evaluating whether money disbursed for EJCs was used for this purpose. This paper dissects the implications of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), particularly charging stations, installed near or within environmental justice communities (EJCs). It also considers possible methods of calculating benefits to EJCs in relation to electrification projects sought by investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and energy regulators. Research Questions This paper investigates and offers suggestions to support the actualization of tangible benefits for EJCs through the implementation of TE programs. The associated research questions are: 1. Does the allocation of funds spent through SB 350 target the correct areas of investment necessary to support EJCs? 2. How are public and private investments in EJCs informed by the barriers associated with ensuring energy justice, transportation justice, and equity? 3. How do the perceptions and priorities of stakeholders inform the implementation of TE programs? By considering each of these research questions, this paper also provides additional clarity for policymakers who work closely with EJCs in creating regulations that best serve their needs. Methods In order to frame the importance of energy justice considerations in relation to SB 350’s focus on EJCs, a literature review was done to connect energy justice to the implementation of transportation electrification (TE) projects and the growth of initiatives centered on heavy-duty EVSE. This literature review was then used to inform the creation of metrics for use in the evaluation of equity implications within SB 350’s projects and their consideration of impacts to EJCs. Key Findings TE projects focused on HDVs should primarily consider the economic advancement of EJCs and the tangible benefits associated with this advancement. Key Policy Takeaways The success of TE implementation is contingent on the success of community engagement and communication across all disciplines and professions that not only sufficiently acknowledges the needs of all stakeholders, but also holds itself accountable through implementation strategies that can be tracked and measured. In this way, the distribution of benefits will be more equitable and socially responsible. Strategies that increase the autonomy of EJCs will be of great benefit to policymakers as this will allow for more nuanced TE implementation that covers all areas of interest that address the most prominent needs of EJCs. Keywords: EV, EVSE, DAC, EJC, charging stations, adoption, transportation electrification, heavy-duty vehicles, energy justice, transportation justice, equity Acknowledgements: I would like to sincerely thank Prof. Alissa Kendall, Prof. Deb Niemeier, and Prof. Jesus M. Barajas for their support and guidance in the completion of this thesis. I appreciate you all for helping me grow as a research scholar. I would also like to thank the Energy and Efficiency Institute (EEI), the Energy Graduate Group (EGG), and the Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS) for supporting me and providing opportunities for both professional and personal growth during my time at UC Davis. I would like to especially thank Prof. Alissa Kendall, Annemarie Schaaf, Ali Loge, and Ben Finkelor for their leadership and support in helping to keep EEI, EGG, and ITS running, connecting students to amazing opportunities, and providing a caring environment. I would also like to thank the people that I was fortunate enough to meet and get to know during my time at UC Davis for their friendship and encouragement. You have all been an inspiration to me, and I cannot wait to see the things you’ll all accomplish in the future! Lastly, I would like to thank my family for their continued love, support, and encouragement during this time. You always uplift me and encourage me to keep going for my goals. You all have given me so much strength. I am very thankful to have you all in my life, and I love you all very much! The research conducted and detailed throughout this paper was made possible in part by the support of the National Center for Sustainable Transportation (NCST) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) through the “Improving Our Understanding of Transport Electrification Benefits for Disadvantaged Communities” research project.

Main Content
For improved accessibility of PDF content, download the file to your device.
Current View