Jenn Smith
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Journalist taking a much-needed break. Previously @seattletimes @educationlab @BerkshireEagle via @SyracuseU 🍊
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Articles by Jenn Smith
US bus market between funding uncertainty and new OEMs: Catalyst Mobility’s Mike Hynes on Buy America, ZE transition and procurement reform
The US transit bus market is navigating funding uncertainty, evolving procurement models and a changing manufacturing landscape, while transit agencies continue to plan their transition to zero-emission fleets. At APTA Expo 2026 in Chicago, we discussed these developments with Mike Hynes, Deputy Director, Transit at Catalyst Mobility, addressing the state of the US bus industry.
Changing Lanes: Catalyst Mobility, Netradyne, School Bus Logistics, Verra Mobility, Zonar
Changing Lanes: Catalyst Mobility, Netradyne, School Bus Logistics, Verra Mobility, Zonar Five student transportation industry groups welcomed new faces to their organizations throughout October and early into November.
Harbinger raises $240M to expand EV platform beyond trucks
Harbinger raises $240M to expand EV platform beyond trucks Harbinger raised $240 million in Series D funding to push its electric vehicle platform into energy storage, power generation, autonomy, and defense while it ramps production for a 2,000-truck order from FedEx. Tiger Global, Capricorn’s Technology Impact Fund, and Ridgeline co-led the round, the Garden Grove, California, company said Thursday.
OPINION: Arts and music belong in your child’s education
Parents want their children to become strong communicators, innovative thinkers, and engaged individuals. Arts and music education helps students develop these essential skills in meaningful and creative ways. Learning to play music encourages listening, discipline, and collaboration. Exploring visual art inspires imagination, critical thinking, and personal expression. Participating in theater or dance builds confidence, communication skills, and the courage to take creative risks.
The Road Ahead for Clean Transportation, with Michael Berube
The Road Ahead for Clean Transportation, with Michael Berube In this episode, host Kristin Hayes talks about the future of clean transportation with Michael Berube in the Resources for the Future podcast recording studio. Berube is the president and CEO of Catalyst Mobility; he’s been leading the organization for the past year and has spearheaded a rebranding of the nonprofit organization, which aims to advance clean, equitable, affordable transportation solutions to move people and goods.
CARB Announces Second Opportunity for Zero-Emission School Buses and Infrastructure
CARB Announces Second Opportunity for Zero-Emission School Buses and Infrastructure The Zero Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) incentive project reopens Tuesday, giving California school districts more opportunities to obtain electric school buses. Jointly administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the California Energy Commission (CEC), the program combines funding for zero-emission school bus purchases with incentives for charging infrastructure.
Funding Is Back in Session: Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure Incentive Project Returns
Funding Is Back in Session: Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure Incentive Project Returns This investment from the CARB- and California Energy Commission-funded ZESBI Project will help spur ZE school bus adoption and provide cleaner air for students and communities across the Golden State.
How EV Realty chooses sites for electric truck charging hubs
How EV Realty chooses sites for electric truck charging hubs Heavy-duty EVs have different charging requirements than passenger EVs. As electric truck guru Rustam Kocher explains in our recent interview, a charging hub purpose-built for heavy-duty EVs differs from a consumer charging hub in several ways. But it’s not just the physical design of the site that differs—the business model is a bit different too.
Catalyst Mobility Taps Seasoned Nonprofit Fundraising and Communications Strategist To Spearhead Philanthropy and Private Funding Work
Catalyst Mobility Taps Seasoned Nonprofit Fundraising and Communications Strategist To Spearhead Philanthropy and Private Funding Work Mari Eva Mendes joins the clean transportation nonprofit with over 20 years of multinational experience in philanthropy, training, and program development.
INTERVIEW: LatAm accelerates bus electrification
INTERVIEW: LatAm accelerates bus electrification Uruguay and Costa Rica leading in specific segments, while the region’s largest markets are looking to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. The development of charging infrastructure, the upfront cost of electric vehicles and regulation remain among the main challenges for fleet operators and manufacturers.
Major Cuts to Infrastructure Investments Take Effect, Billions Gone for Essential Transportation Programs
Major Cuts to Infrastructure Investments Take Effect, Billions Gone for Essential Transportation Programs Congress must address the loss of these historic investments as Americans grapple with high fuel costs Catalyst Mobility Media Contact: Rachel Huggins, rhuggins@catalystmobility.org WASHINGTON, D.C. — A major cut to federal infrastructure investment takes effect today on October 1, putting billions of dollars in transportation funding at risk.
Bonita Unified Holds Ribbon-Cutting for Electric Bus Fleet, All-New EV Charging Stations
Bonita Unified Holds Ribbon-Cutting for Electric Bus Fleet, All-New EV Charging Stations Against a backdrop of new, clean-burning electric vehicles (EV) and flanked by District school bus drivers and mechanics, Bonita Unified School District officially debuted its fleet of all-electric school buses and brand-new Level 2 EV charging stations during a green ribbon-cutting held at the District Yard on Sept. 17.
Changes to CAFE Standards Walk Back Meaningful Progress
Changes to CAFE Standards Walk Back Meaningful Progress The new final regulations would set baseline average fuel economy targets at levels achieved years ago. Catalyst Mobility Media Contact: Jennifer Smith, jsmith@calstart.org, (626) 744-5645 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration today finalized rules that weaken Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks.
Small businesses slow to take up WA’s new electric truck vouchers
Small businesses slow to take up WA’s new electric truck vouchers A line of work trucks sat running in the parking lot of Kent’s Pacific Raceways Monday, but there was hardly any engine noise and no diesel exhaust.
Tesla Semi wins 2,500-truck order, doubling US electric Class 8 fleet
Tesla Semi wins 2,500-truck order, doubling US electric Class 8 fleet Tesla has been named the primary truck supplier for the largest electric Class 8 order in US history: 2,500 battery-electric trucks bought through a new shipper alliance called ZET SCALE. The order on its own would nearly double the number of electric Class 8 trucks on US roads, and the alliance says it’s targeting more than 10,000 over time.
Largest Electric Truck Order Will Nearly Double the U.S. Electric Class 8 Fleet
Largest Electric Truck Order Will Nearly Double the U.S. Electric Class 8 Fleet Aggregated freight demand from leading shippers of the ZET SCALE Alliance powered an open, independently conducted RFP that drove competitive bids and pricing from every truck maker in the running; now, the Alliance is opening its doors to more shippers and carriers.
MEDIA ADVISORY: WAZIP Ride & Drive Event at Pacific Raceways in South King County
WAZIP Ride & Drive Event at Pacific Raceways in South King County, September 21 Contact: Ryan OvertonCommunications Director, Washington State Department of Transportation, 509-413-9791 Media are invited to attend a showcase of zero-emission commercial vehicles and equipment eligible for state incentives through the Climate Commitment Act-funded Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program (WAZIP).
Sustainable Bus Magazine September 2026 is out: U.S. zero-emission buses, autonomous transit and new vehicles showcase
Sustainable Bus Magazine September 2026 is out: U.S. zero-emission buses, autonomous transit and new vehicles showcase The September 2026 issue of Sustainable Bus Magazine is out, with distribution scheduled at FIAA in Madrid and APTA TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago.
Xos Brings Grid-Independent Mobile Charging to Public Transit Leaders at APTA TRANSform 2026
Xos Brings Grid-Independent Mobile Charging to Public Transit Leaders at APTA TRANSform 2026 LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xos, Inc. (NASDAQ: XOS) (“Xos” or the “Company”), a leader in electric commercial vehicles and mobile charging solutions, today announced its participation in the APTA TRANSform Conference & EXPO 2026, taking place October 4 to 7 in Chicago, Illinois.
Calstart Becomes Catalyst Mobility, Reflecting Broader Focus
Calstart Becomes Catalyst Mobility, Reflecting Broader Focus Calstart is now Catalyst Mobility, reflecting the nonprofit’s growing national role in clean transportation, including zero-emission trucks, infrastructure and incentive programs. Calstart has a new name — and another clean transportation nonprofit is joining it. The organization announced Sept. 14 that it is now Catalyst Mobility.
PANYNJ, CALSTART Launch Electric Truck Incentive Programs
PANYNJ, CALSTART Launch Electric Truck Incentive Programs The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey clean transportation nonprofit CALSTART announced a pair of incentive programs totaling $45 million to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission (ZE) drayage trucks and terminal tractors, alongside the essential charging infrastructure needed to power them at the Port of New York and New Jersey.
Port Authority and CALSTART Launch $45 Million Electric Truck and Charging Programs To Boost Sustainable Operations Across East Coast’s Busiest Seaport | September 3, 2026 - CALSTART
Port Authority and CALSTART Launch $45 Million Electric Truck and Charging Programs to Boost Sustainable Operations Across East Coast’s Busiest Seaport Together, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and CALSTART will electrify drayage and terminal operations serving the East Coast’s busiest container port.
Electric heavy-duty trucks will be able to run from Baja to Canada, West Coast leaders pledge
Electric heavy-duty trucks will be able to run from Baja to Canada, West Coast leaders pledge It’s one of the busiest freight corridors in the United States, and it’s getting cleaner.
The High Cost of Transit Buses: Industry Leaders Look to Procurement Reform
The High Cost of Transit Buses: Industry Leaders Look to Procurement Reform As transit agencies across the country grapple with rising capital costs and aging fleets, industry leaders are pointing to procurement reform as one of the biggest opportunities to stretch limited budgets. Additional funding by itself, if an option at all, isn’t going to cut it anymore.
Hiram Johnson High School gets new e-bike rack, charger to address rising use
Hiram Johnson High School gets new e-bike rack, charger to address rising use The two bike racks installed this summer at Hiram Johnson High School are different from the others. They have 28 spots for bikes and scooters to lock up, a roof covered with solar panels, bike maintenance tools and 28 outlets to charge e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric devices that students park at the school. The school partnered with SMUD and Calstart on the project.
The Role of Hybrid Buses in Fleet Transition Planning
Beyond Either/Or: The Role of Hybrid Buses in Fleet Transition Planning Photo: Andrea Schneibel/Knoxville Area Transit (CC BY-SA 2.0) For transit agencies, fleet transition planning rarely follows a straight line. Across North America, agencies are evaluating and deploying advanced transit technologies to meet operational goals, reduce emissions, and prepare for the future of public transportation.
NWSA taps CALSTART to administer ZDAP
NWSA taps CALSTART to administer ZDAP TACOMA, Wash. — CALSTART announced the launch of the Zero-Emission Drayage Assistance Program (ZDAP), a new program led by the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) in partnership with CALSTART. The company did so via a media release.
The Northwest Seaport Alliance Taps CALSTART to Administer Zero-Emission Drayage Assistance Program
The Northwest Seaport Alliance Taps CALSTART to Administer Zero-Emission Drayage Assistance Program The clean transportation nonprofit will provide free technical assistance services to drayage fleets serving the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma looking to transition to cleaner technologies and help decarbonize freight hubs.
Trump administration targeted California and other blue states for clean energy cuts
Trump administration targeted California and other blue states for clean energy cuts The fate of hundreds of clean energy projects hangs in the balance after court documents revealed that the Trump administration targeted California and other blue states solely for political reasons when it slashed funding for the initiatives last year. More projects were cut in California than any other state, about 79 out of nearly 300.
Forth Roadmap Conference: Be a Part of the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conversation
Forth Roadmap Conference: Be a Part of the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conversation The countdown is on. This September, transportation leaders from across the country will gather at the Forth Roadmap Conference, the nation’s premier event for transportation electrification.
First Public Hydrogen Authority Launches Landmark Solicitation for Low-Carbon Hydrogen Fuel
First Public Hydrogen Authority Launches Landmark Solicitation for Low-Carbon Hydrogen Fuel The First Public Hydrogen Authority (FPH2) has officially launched a competitive solicitation for low-carbon hydrogen fuel, marking a major step toward expanding reliable, affordable hydrogen supply for California’s growing fleet of zero-emission buses, trains, heavy-duty vehicles, and other public-sector applications.
Governor Newsom secures 13 automakers to offer instant rebates for first-time ZEV buyers
Governor Newsom secures 13 automakers to offer instant rebates for first-time ZEV buyers Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that 13 major automakers are teaming up with the Golden State to offer instant rebates to Californians buying or leasing their first zero-emission vehicle. California is proving that a state can lead on affordability and clean air even as the Trump administration walks away from both.
Clean Transportation Funding Exists. Here's How to Find It.
Clean Transportation Funding Exists. Here’s How to Find It. By Connor Urbany Making the decision to adopt cleaner transportation technologies is one thing; knowing where to find the funding is another piece of the puzzle entirely. For those navigating the landscape of resources — grants, rebates, tax incentives, and everything in between — the process can be overwhelming.
Buckle Up: Hear NYSERDA’s President and CEO Keynote at the Sixth Annual Clean Trucks NY Event
Buckle Up: Hear NYSERDA’s President and CEO Keynote at the Sixth Annual Clean Trucks NY Event Join CALSTART and TANY to learn about the state of zero-emission trucks in New York and give one a spin! CALSTART Media Contact: Jennifer Smith, CALSTART (626) 744-5645, jsmith@calstart.org OSSINING, NY — Charge up for CALSTART and the Trucking Association of New York’s (TANY’s) Clean Trucks NY annual event, one of the New York’s most anticipated zero-emission truck events of the year.
EPA Proposal to Ease Diesel Emissions Compliance Could Improve Reliability for Motorcoach Operators
EPA Proposal to Ease Diesel Emissions Compliance Could Improve Reliability for Motorcoach Operators Motorcoach operators could see significant improvements in vehicle reliability and lower operating costs under a proposed rule announced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would overhaul portions of federal heavy-duty diesel emissions requirements.
CALSTART: EPA Proposal To Amend NOx Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Trucks Risks Undermining Real-World Progress, Vehicle Reliability, and U.S. Innovation | July 9, 2026 - CALSTART
CALSTART: EPA Proposal To Amend NOx Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Trucks Risks Undermining Real-World Progress, Vehicle Reliability, and U.S. Innovation Strict, enforceable emissions standards have driven cleaner heavy-duty vehicles and measurable public health gains.
DEQ’s Climate Protection Program Announces CALSTART as Provisional Community Climate Investment Entity
DEQ’s Climate Protection Program Announces CALSTART as Provisional Community Climate Investment Entity Statewide, OR – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality selected the non-profit CALSTART and partners as a provisional Community Climate Investment entity for the agency’s Climate Protection Program.
Why California nonprofit was chosen to oversee Oregon climate projects
Why California nonprofit was chosen to oversee Oregon climate projects CALSTART, a California-based clean transportation nonprofit, has been chosen to administer local climate investments under Oregon’s Climate Protection Program.
ZET Momentum Rebounds: State Leadership Is Shaping Where Adoption Accelerates
ZET Momentum Rebounds: State Leadership Is Shaping Where Adoption Accelerates By Cristy Almonte The U.S. zero-emission truck (ZET) market just doubled its pace. In the second half of 2025, fleets deployed nearly twice as many ZETs as in the first 6 months of the year — signaling a fundamental shift in how American fleets think about electrification.
On EV Readiness, Report Finds States Offer Uneven Terrain
On EV Readiness, Report Finds States Offer Uneven Terrain States on the West Coast and East Coast, which typically offer various consumer incentives paired with EV policy goals, tended to score the highest. These states also marked strong growth in both EV registrations and the number of public chargers. California, which received an overall score of 11 — tying with Massachusetts — counted more than 2.2 million zero-emission vehicles in 2025, according to the California Energy Commission.
Sixth Annual Clean Trucks NY Conference This July; NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris to Keynote at Event
Sixth Annual Clean Trucks NY Conference This July; NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris to Keynote at Event This year, TANY and CALSTART’s event brings attendees a loaded agenda and an electrifying vehicle showcase.
Porterville USD Taps ForeFront Power for Zero-Emission Infrastructure Project Including Solar, Storage, Microgrid & EV Charging
Porterville USD Taps ForeFront Power for Zero-Emission Infrastructure Project Including Solar, Storage, Microgrid & EV Charging PORTERVILLE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Porterville Unified School District (PUSD) is set to develop a comprehensive solar, battery energy storage, microgrid, and electric vehicle (EV) fleet charging project to meet the District’s intersecting energy, transportation, and resilience needs with clean, renewable, lower-cost electricity.
California EV Buyer Incentive Agreement Moves Toward Point-of-Sale Savings
California EV Buyer Incentive Agreement Moves Toward Point-of-Sale Savings California’s proposed first-time electric vehicle buyer incentive is moving from budget concept to implementation planning, with the state and automakers expected to share the cost of new point-of-sale savings for residents buying their first EV.
Sanalife Energy Powers California's Commercial Truck Charging Research Hub in Carson
Sanalife Energy Powers California’s Commercial Truck Charging Research Hub in Carson , /PRNewswire/ — Sanalife Energy was chosen as part of a larger consortium to commission California’s first commercial truck-charging research hub in Carson. Sanalife’s E360 energy management system serves as the real-time monitoring engine for the project’s electrification and data collection.
On-route electric bus chargers coming to Alexandria, Virginia
On-route electric bus chargers coming to Alexandria, Virginia Cities throughout the U.S. continue to add zero-emission transit buses to their fleets, according to Calstart, a national clean transportation advocacy group. As of July 2025, more than 8,000 full-size zero-emission buses have been funded, ordered, delivered or are on the road nationwide, a 16% increase over last year’s count, the organization said in its annual report.
Illinois EPA attacking carbon emissions in water ports through yearslong planning project
Illinois EPA attacking carbon emissions in water ports through yearslong planning project The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] and a national nonprofit met Tuesday with the Peoria community to discuss a multiyear planning process to make Illinois waterways and ports more environmentally friendly. The Illinois EPA joined with Calstart Tuesday evening at 201 S.W. Adams St. in Downtown Peoria to discuss with the public a longterm planning project to decarbonize Illinois waters.
Zero-Emission Trucks Represented Over 4 Percent of New Truck Deployments in the Second Half of 2025
Zero-Emission Trucks Represented Over 4 Percent of New Truck Deployments in the Second Half of 2025 After a slower first half of 2025, zero-emission truck (ZET) deployment in the United States gained momentum in the second half of the year, with ZETs representing 4.14 percent of all truck deployments from July through December 2025, up from 1.32 percent in the first half of the year, according to the June 2026 edition of CALSTART’s biannual Zeroing in on ZETs report.
Policy Drives Deployments: Zero-Emission Trucks Represented Over 4 Percent of New Truck Deployments in the Second Half of 2025, According to CALSTART’s June 2026 ZET Report | June 16, 2026 - CALSTART
Policy Drives Deployments: Zero-Emission Trucks Represented Over 4 Percent of New Truck Deployments in the Second Half of 2025, According to CALSTART’s June 2026 ZET Report When adjusting for truck stock and segment, California, New York, and Pennsylvania are performing above the national average for ZET adoption relative to market size due to dedicated policy investments.
The wildfire smoke test in Sacramento
The wildfire smoke test in Sacramento HIT THE ACCELERATOR: CALSTART, one of the nation’s largest clean transportation nonprofits, has named Alycia Gilde executive vice president for California and regional market acceleration. Gilde will lead the organization’s California strategy, as well as those in regional markets across the country.
CALSTART Announces Leadership Expansion With Two Executive Appointments
CALSTART Announces Leadership Expansion With Two Executive Appointments New roles designed to catalyze regional market development and strengthen core transportation initiatives nationwide. CALSTART Media Contact: Jennifer Smith, CALSTART (626) 744-5645, jsmith@calstart.org PASADENA, CA — CALSTART, a leading clean transportation nonprofit, has expanded its leadership team to accelerate CALSTART’s next phase of market impact, ensuring agility in a rapidly evolving commercial and policy landscape.
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