CATA Board of Directors approves zero-emission fleet transition by 2035
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Categories: General
The Capital Area Transportation Authority’s Board of Directors voted unanimously yesterday to approve an initiative that would commit the public transportation service provider to transition its entire fleet of revenue and non-revenue vehicles to zero-emission by 2035.
“CATA is acutely aware that the transportation sector accounts for 32 percent of Michigan’s greenhouse gas emissions, the second largest-emitting sector of our economy, and that these emissions are driving the climate crisis,” said CATA Board Chair Nathan Triplett. “We recognize our responsibility to swiftly decarbonize our operations and replace CATA’s current fleet with clean, zero-emission vehicles. This moment demands bold action and CATA is ready to do our part and help lead our region and Michigan into a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable transportation future.”
According to Bradley T. Funkhouser, CATA’s Chief Executive Officer, the Authority’s zero-emission fleet plan will include large buses, small buses, minivans, support vehicles and related infrastructure. “We are exploring next steps that will allow us to achieve a zero-emission fleet, starting with the addition of three electric buses and charging infrastructure this year. We will continue to assess environmental and cost benefits, craft a zero-emission transition plan and a procurement plan, and identify funding opportunities.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was enacted by Congress in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in November 2021, providing new funding to rebuild our nation’s roads, bridges and rails, with a focus on climate-change mitigation, resilience, equity and safety for all users.
Timothy Minotas, Legislative & Political Coordinator at Sierra Club said, “We applaud CATA’s decision to fully transition its fleet by 2035. This will bring cleaner air to neighborhoods throughout the Lansing area and reduce the pollution that is causing climate change. Today’s announcement shows that a commitment to zero-emission vehicles is possible. We encourage other transit agencies across the state to follow CATA’s lead and make similar commitments and investments to a cleaner transportation future. This brings us closer to tackling Michigan’s heavily polluting transportation sector and achieving our state’s climate goals.”