The United States has committed to reducing transportation-related carbon emissions through strategic initiatives such as the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization and the Global Memorandum of Understanding for Zero Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles. This commitment involves fostering pathways and implementing measures to ensure that at least 30% of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles sold by 2030 are zero-emission, aiming to achieve 100% by 2040.
The recently unveiled Net Zero Emission Freight Corridor Strategy, released by the Joint Office, serves as a blueprint for achieving these objectives. This comprehensive strategy meticulously assesses key deployment factors, focusing on identifying favorable investment opportunities along the National Highway Freight Network (NHFN) and within related freight ecosystems.
The Strategy defines “zero-emission fuels” as electricity and hydrogen. The strategic approach is structured into four phases:
- Phase 1: Establish Hubs [2024–2027]
- Phase 2: Connect Hubs [2027–2030]
- Phase 3: Expand Corridors [2030–2035]
- Phase 4: Complete Network [2035–2040]
Michigan, with its pivotal role in the transportation sector, emerges as a focal point within all phases. Referenced locations such as DTW in Romulus, various sites in Detroit, an MDOT facility in Ferndale, and the Detroit-Wayne County Port are designated as crucial freight hubs. Recognizing the economic importance of trucks, buses, and other large vehicles, particularly in a state with vital gateways to Canada, Michigan’s involvement in freight decarbonization becomes even more critical.
Moreover, the significance of medium and heavy-duty vehicles, which constitute approximately 10% of all vehicles on the road but consume over a quarter of all fuel used in the U.S. transportation sector, underscores the urgency of these efforts. However, historical federal investments have often overlooked freight decarbonization. For instance, the $7.5B National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program primarily focuses on passenger vehicle electrification, necessitating the development of additional resources.
Various opportunities for federal and state funds to drive freight decarbonization in Michigan have been identified in response. These efforts aim to capitalize on Michigan’s strategic positioning and existing infrastructure by leveraging existing initiatives like REV Midwest and the Truck Stop of the Future concept. From tax credits for alternative refueling properties to grants aimed at reducing air pollution at ports, a plethora of mechanisms exist to propel Michigan’s zero-emission freight efforts:
- Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit (45W)
- Alternative Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (30C)
- Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Funding
- Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program
- EPA Clean Ports Program
- Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program
- Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP)
- Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities
- Carbon Reduction Program (CRP)
As we collectively seek solutions to drive clean mobility sector growth and reduce carbon emissions, Michigan stands at the forefront of innovation and progress in freight decarbonization. By embracing these initiatives and harnessing the power of collaboration between government, industry, and communities, Michigan is poised to lead the charge toward a cleaner, more environmentally responsible transportation sector.
Learn more from existing Clean Fuels Michigan Resources:
