Kimberly Collins | Leonard Transportation Center - California State University San Bernardino

Social Media Handle: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ltcenter

Presentation Description

The urgency to mitigate climate change effects has prioritized the decarbonization of the transportation sector, a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. This abstract presents a nuanced exploration into the transition towards zero-emission transportation, focusing on medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MDHDVs) in California's Inland Empire (IE), a critical logistics and transportation hub. The research employs a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, integrating a systematic literature review, geospatial and big data analytics, and thematic analysis of expert interviews to uncover the complex interplay of data, policy, economic/business considerations, and equity implications in the decarbonization process.

Central to the analysis is the examination of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure development and the strategic implementation of opportunity charging, framed by the insights drawn from geospatial analysis of traffic patterns and big data analytics on vehicle movements. This approach delineates the infrastructural and operational needs across the IE’s diverse subregions, proposing tailored electrification strategies to enhance sustainable transportation. Policy assessment spans multiple governance levels, scrutinizing federal, state, and regional frameworks that support or hinder the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The study highlights pivotal legislation and initiatives, such as California's AB32 and federal Clean Air Act amendments, that serve as catalysts for environmental and transportation reforms.

From an economic and business perspective, the research delves into the cost-benefit dynamics of transitioning to MDHD EVs, weighing the potential for reduced maintenance costs and extended vehicle lifespans against the significant investments required for EV procurement and charging infrastructure. The analysis emphasizes the importance of targeted financial incentives and dynamic, adaptable policies to mitigate the economic burdens on small business stakeholders and ensure a viable transition.

Equity emerges as a crucial theme, with the study advocating for inclusive strategies that provide equitable access to the benefits of electrification. This entails a focused consideration of the socioeconomic disparities within the IE, ensuring that disadvantaged communities and small independent operators are not marginalized in the transition process. The thematic analysis of expert interviews underscores the need for collaborative efforts among governmental bodies, businesses, and communities to foster a socially responsible and inclusive shift towards zero-emission transportation.

In sum, this abstract outlines a multidimensional framework for understanding and addressing the challenges of decarbonizing transportation. It calls for a concerted, region-specific approach for inland ports that harmonizes data-driven insights with supportive policy measures, economic viability, and equity considerations, paving the way for a sustainable and equitable transportation future.

Speaker Biography

Kimberly Collins, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of the William and Barbara Leonard Transportation Center (LTC) at California State University, San Bernardino. The LTC is a regional transportation center focused on improving innovation in transportation administration and policy through data-driven decision-making. In addition to her role at the LTC, Dr. Collins is a Professor of Public Administration at CSUSB. Kimberly's current research focuses on social equity, sustainability, networks, and democracy in communities, particularly in peri-urban areas and borderlands. She is the Chair of the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (a U.S. EPA Residential Advisory Commission), and is the North American Regional Editor for the Journal of Borderlands Studies. Kimberly received her Ph.D. in 2006 from El Colegio de la Frontera Norte in Tijuana, Baja California.

Co-presenters

Raffi Der Wartanian
Leonard Transportation Center - California State University San Bernardino

Francisca Beer
Leonard Transportation Center - California State University San Bernardino

Yunfei Hou
Leonard Transportation Center - California State University San Bernardino

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