Overview
Held on December 12th, 2024 at Holland & Knight in Boston, MA, 48 public and private industry leaders convened for the AEG Boston 24Q4 Stakeholder Challenge: Mobility & Clean Transportation. The purpose of this challenge was to: 1.) Agree on a critical obstacle preventing achievement of Greater Boston’'s mobility and clean transportation goals; 2.) Align on a 90-day sprint and 12-month objective to best address this obstacle; and 3.) Enable stakeholders to create a volunteer Task Force accountable for delivering the agreed solution.
Mark Kalpin (Holland & Knight) provided welcome remarks followed by the Speaker Challenge, where each speaker provided an 8 minute and 5 slide presentation that concluded with this completed statement: “Regarding mobility and clean transportation, to achieve Greater Boston’s climate, health and equity goals, a critical obstacle to collectively overcome in 12 months is ______.”
Commissioner Cecile Fraser from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities focused on prioritizing EV infrastructure investments for Environmental Justice communities to ensure equitable access and address barriers to widespread EV adoption. Representative Jeffrey Roy of the Massachusetts House of Representatives emphasized the need for consumer education and fostering discussions on the costs and benefits of the energy transition to support clean transportation initiatives. Josh Ryor from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs advocated for EV carsharing as a solution to transportation access and equity challenges while addressing barriers like funding and site availability. Chelsea Petrenko of Energy and Environmental Economics (E3) highlighted the importance of geospatial forecasting and detailed fleet electrification plans to guide cost-effective grid modernization and infrastructure planning.
Inspired by the statement provided by Chelsea Petrenko (E3), participants agreed to prioritize the following obstacle:
“Regarding Mobility and Clean Transportation, to achieve Greater Boston's climate, health & equity goals, a critical obstacle to collectively overcome in 12 months is the lack of effective engagement with MHDV fleet operators across the Commonwealth, which can inform cost-effective grid modernization plans.”
Participants designed, presented, and selected a 90-day sprint and 12-month objective to overcome the above critical obstacle. 15 leaders came together to form a Task Force to complete the above 90-day sprint and 12-month objective.
Task Force Volunteers (some not pictured): Jordan Stutt, CALSTART (Co-Lead), Nicole Voudren (Co-Lead), Chelsea Petrenko, EThree, Alistair Pim, ACT, Maggie Plomin, Global Partners, Noel Chambers, Energy New England, Ryan Bossis, DNV, Marcella McNerney, MassCEC, Jamey Tesler, Mass Mobility Hub, Mark Scribner, MA EEA, Sam Ross, Dunsky Energy and Climate Advisors, Zach Jenkins, Mass DOER, Adrienne Nunez, Mass MA, Killian Tobin, RINA, Alison Felix, MAPC
5 KEY THEMES
1. Enhanced Infrastructure for Equitable Access
Investments in EV charging infrastructure are crucial to avoiding a network that mirrors existing traffic and income patterns instead of addressing community needs. Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities emphasizes reserving higher EV funding for Environmental Justice (EJ) populations to ensure equitable outcomes.
"Reserve the highest level of EV charger funding for EJ populations that meet income criteria and low-income customers. Monitor the results." – Commissioner Cecile Fraser, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
2. Sustainable and Affordable Mobility Models
EV carsharing can provide environmentally friendly transportation for low-income customers, mitigating the 30% transportation burden on household income. Addressing barriers such as sustainable funding, site host retention, and high insurance costs is necessary to make carsharing viable.
"Regarding Mobility and Clean Transportation, a critical obstacle to collectively overcome in 12 months is the lack of electric vehicle carsharing." – Josh Ryor, Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
3. Comprehensive Planning and Coordination
Collecting detailed medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) fleet electrification plans can inform cost-effective grid modernization, crucial for future-proofing the infrastructure. Advanced geospatial forecasting and load growth models are essential to prioritize upgrades and ensure readiness for EV adoption
"Collecting detailed fleet electrification plans from MHDV fleet operators across the Commonwealth can inform cost-effective grid modernization plans." – Chelsea Petrenko, Energy and Environmental Economics (E3)
4. Consumer Education and Engagement
Surveys reveal the importance of fostering discussions about the costs of clean energy transitions and educating consumers about their roles and benefits. Lack of public knowledge and misconceptions about EV ownership remain significant barriers to adoption, as indicated by the event poll results.
"The challenge lies in fostering meaningful discussions to determine the cost of the energy transition and ensuring consumers are educated about what this means for them." – Representative Jeffrey Roy, Massachusetts House of Representatives
5. Policy and Regulatory Support
Massachusetts has implemented measures such as off-peak charging rebates, time-of-use rates, and demand charge alternatives to encourage EV adoption. Streamlining permitting and utility review processes was highlighted as a critical need by stakeholders during the event.
"Regarding Clean Transportation, a critical obstacle to overcome is meeting the future needs of all drivers in the city, including those without at-home charging." – Commissioner Cecile Fraser, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
Conclusion
The AEG Boston 24Q4 Stakeholder Challenge on Mobility & Clean Transportation brought together over 50 industry leaders to address barriers to achieving Greater Boston’s climate, health, and equity goals. The challenge emphasized the importance of investing in equitable EV charging infrastructure to serve Environmental Justice communities, fostering sustainable business models for EV carsharing to reduce transportation burdens for low-income households, and enhancing coordination among stakeholders to streamline fleet electrification and grid modernization efforts. Key themes included improving public education on the benefits and costs of clean transportation, prioritizing vulnerable communities in infrastructure investments, and advancing policy reforms to support electrification goals. As volunteer leaders embark on a 90-day sprint and a 12-month objective, their collaborative efforts will be critical in advancing equitable, sustainable, and accessible clean transportation solutions for Greater Boston.
For the list of participating stakeholders who aligned on this critical obstacle and developed this 12 month goal and 90 day sprint, please visit here..
Other proposed 90-Day Sprints and 12-Month Objectives included:
