Virginia has made major progress on climate action over the last few years with the passage of the Virginia Clean Economy Act, the Clean Car Standards, and robust budgets for mass transit and trails. In 2022, President Biden made historic climate investments through the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Now, the Commonwealth must leverage an unprecedented amount of funding opportunities available to meet our conservation and environmental goals. 

Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) is partnering with different organizations to create video stories showcasing how federal funds are being brought into the Commonwealth and highlight opportunities for decision-makers. Community Climate Collaborative (C3) is committed to driving climate action by advancing community-led solutions and empowering businesses and residents across Central Virginia. C3 has been working alongside Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT), which initiated a planning process earlier this year for a transition to a zero-emission bus fleet.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides nearly $90 billion in federal funding for clean transportation and charging infrastructure, the largest investment in public transit to date. By last November, it had funded over 2,900 low- and zero-emission buses, with nearly $5 billion awarded in the last three years to replace and upgrade transit buses across the country. Programs like the Low or No Emission Grant Program are receiving significant boosts from this funding, with $5.6 billion allocated through 2026—more than ten times greater than the previous five years of funding. These funding opportunities highlight the significant federal investment in the transition to zero-emission fleets and the increased investment in existing programs made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

The amount of funding opportunities has influenced Charlottesville’s decision to transition to a zero-emission public transportation fleet. In July 2019, Charlottesville City Council set a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, reducing harmful emissions that contribute to climate pollution. This transition will also offer economic and health benefits, including lower fuel costs and reduced exposure to harmful diesel pollution. With CAT’s recommended goal of fully transitioning by 2040, the city will be ten years ahead of its zero-emission fleet goal, beginning with five zero-emission buses by 2027. Although not currently seeking federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or the Inflation Reduction Act, the city is encouraged by significant federal support for a zero-emission fleet transition.