The Equitable EV Action Plan Framework
Dear Climate Mayors,
We are excited to share The Equitable EV Action Plan Framework, a comprehensive resource designed to empower local government leaders and community stakeholders to develop equity-oriented electric vehicle (EV) action plans tailored to their unique communities. Climate Mayors and the Center for Law, Energy and the Environment recognize that federal and state investments in EVs and charging cannot lead to equitable outcomes without strong leadership from local leaders. Following the 2024 national election results and the anticipated end of crucial federal climate and environmental justice initiatives, the need for strong local leadership and the resources to support cities’ ambitions have become even more critical.
This framework, developed in collaboration between the Center for Law, Energy and the Environment , Greenlining, and Forth, offers a clear, step-by-step approach to crafting an EV action plan that integrates equity into every stage of development, from stakeholder engagement to policy design and implementation. It highlights proven strategies, actionable recommendations, and case studies from cities and communities that have successfully advanced equitable EV adoption. By centering equity, the framework helps leaders identify and address systemic barriers, ensuring that benefits such as improved air quality, reduced transportation costs, and job creation are accessible to all residents.
We hope this resource serves as a model for kickstarting an equity-oriented EV action plan and a source of inspiration from communities around the country focused on effective and equitable plan development, community engagement, and infrastructure investments. In addition, you can find issue briefs on curbside charging, multifamily charging, shared mobility, and community-oriented project design and a resources webpage to support help with first steps. All the materials are available at https://www.law.berkeley.edu/research/clee/ev-equity/.
We hope this resource inspires collaboration, innovation, and meaningful progress toward a cleaner, more equitable future. Please feel free to reach out to Ted Lamm if you have questions or need support in implementing this framework.