To the Editor:
Revving into a greener future, Rhode Island is set to join over a dozen states in embracing the electrifying potential of zero-emission vehicles. In May, Gov. Daniel J. McKee announced plans for the R.I. Department of Environmental Management to adopt Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks standards, which will help protect Rhode Islanders from the health and climate harms of tailpipe pollution and expand the electric -ehiclenmarket. This is just one of many steps needed toward a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.
I leased my first electric vehicle in 2014 and never looked back. Besides providing smooth acceleration and a quiet ride, EVs offer drivers long-term savings on fuel expenses and lower maintenance costs due to their simplified design and fewer moving parts.
Recent advancements in EV technology have been remarkable – with increased battery capacity, allowing for longer trips without the “range anxiety” of running out of energy with no access to a charging station. Over the past decade, I have witnessed a significant increase in the number of charging stations across the state and region.
Thanks to automaker commitments, federal charging infrastructure investments, EV buying incentives from legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and consumer demand, the availability of EV models continues to grow, providing options that suit the needs and preferences of different individuals, families and businesses. These improvements, coupled with incentives and rebates offered by state and federal governments, have made transitioning to EVs more accessible, affordable and appealing than ever before.
As the EV market grows, it stimulates demand for manufacturing, charging infrastructure development and associated technologies, creating employment opportunities in battery production, electric-vehicle manufacturing, and charging station installation and maintenance. This growth presents an opportunity for the Ocean State to foster innovation, attract investment and position itself as a leader in the EV revolution.
Currently, the transportation sector is the leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Rhode Island, accounting for 39.7% of total emissions in 2019, according to the DEM. By transitioning to EVs, we can significantly reduce pollution to meet our climate goals and drastically improve air quality for communities. While it is true that the production of electric vehicles has some environmental impacts, they are significantly safer and cleaner than their gas-powered counterparts and do not emit harmful pollutants such as smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution and diesel soot pollution, which can cause respiratory problems and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Low-income and communities of color are disproportionately shouldering the burden from polluting vehicles because highways, transportation corridors and polluting fossil fuel infrastructure are more often located near these communities.
As the wheels of progress turn, Rhode Island must accelerate the adoption of cleaner vehicle standards to make EVs more affordable and available. The public health, climate and economic benefits of EVs make them a critical part of a greener economy. It is crucial for policymakers, automakers, businesses, and communities to work together to drive us toward a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future for all.
Joel Gates, Gloucester
