On the same day two new states today announced plans to join the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition, two business networks issued a letter voicing their support for the group first launched by nearly a dozen governors of U.S. states in June. The letter emphasizes the need for state collaboration to make it easier for businesses and consumers to own and operate clean vehicles amid policy setbacks at the federal level.
The letter from the Ceres BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy) Network and CEVA (the Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance) comes as the governors of Wisconsin and Hawaii announced they would join their peers in California, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington in the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition. Coalition members have committed to work together to advance their transportation and clean air goals by making clean vehicles more affordable, accessible, and easy to charge – both through policymaking and by engaging with industry leaders and experts.
In the letter, the two business networks said the governors’ efforts should “work toward a future where every business and consumer that wants to drive a clean vehicle can afford to do so.” They urged the states to collaborate with business leaders and to include consideration of the kinds of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that businesses rely upon throughout their supply and value chains.
“We encourage the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition to serve as a venue for frequent collaboration between state and business leaders to identify the most viable pathways to reduce costs and operational hurdles across all aspects of EV ownership and operations,” the letter reads.
The BICEP Network includes more than 80 major businesses across the economy, who have long supported federal and state policies that benefit both the economy and the climate. CEVA is a group of 31 member companies that work together to advance market growth of clean vehicles of all class sizes and use cases. While there is some overlap between the two groups’ membership and are both organized by Ceres, they serve different functions and operate separately.
As a nationwide fleet provider, Merchants Fleet is proud of the role we are playing in helping businesses across the U.S. transition to electric vehicles,” said Landon McKay, senior consultant for enterprise accounts and EV, Merchants Fleet. “Supportive clean vehicle policy at the state level will allow us to better serve our clients and help businesses across the economy experience the many benefits of electric vehicles – including lower costs and better performance.”
“IKEA U.S. is proud to support policy solutions that help retailers provide affordable, zero-emission deliveries for our customers,” said Doug Murray, Public Affairs Leader, IKEA U.S. “By working together, state governors and the private sector are advancing market-based solutions to maintain momentum toward a clean transportation future where businesses and consumers alike can access the clean vehicles they want.”
“Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is committed to producing the highest quality products while thinking about our impact at every step, including transportation,” said Mandi McKay, chief sustainability and social impact officer, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. “While the market for clean vehicles is expanding, additional policy is needed to ensure the capability and investment of zero-emission transportation for products like ours is competitive and feasible. We are proud to support public policy at the state level that helps to expand this market and deliver climate and financial benefits across the economy.”
The Affordable Clean Cars coalition was announced shortly after Congress moved to terminate Clean Air Act waivers that allow California and other states to implement standards to increase the availability and facilitate market growth of light-, medium, and heavy-duty clean vehicles. The standards have had widespread support from businesses across the economy, who see clean vehicles as critical to reducing fuel and maintenance costs and meeting corporate climate goals. Congress and the Trump administration have also repealed consumer and commercial clean vehicle and charging tax credits and moved to overturn federal pollution standards that were projected to grow clean vehicle sales. Collectively, the policy changes risk clean vehicle growth in the U.S., with negative implications for consumer affordability, manufacturing jobs, and U.S. global competitiveness.
“States have long led the way in clean vehicle policy, and the changed federal policy environment makes it all the more important. As governors push forward to grow access to clean vehicles that reduce costs and keep American industry globally competitive, the leading businesses in the BICEP Network are prepared not only to support their efforts but to offer their expertise on businesses’ fleet needs,” said Anne Kelly, vice president of government relations, Ceres.
“Businesses across the economy remain committed to transitioning to clean fleets throughout their supply chains to reduce costs, remain competitive, and meet their climate and sustainability goals. They appreciate any policy support that provides certainty and grows access to clean vehicles and charging infrastructure,” said Michael Kodransky, senior director of transportation, Ceres. “CEVA applauds these 11 governors for their leadership in driving a new route for clean vehicle policy.”
About Ceres
Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world's sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.