This Wednesday, you’re invited to Richmond City Hall to give the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) feedback on programs to increase the use of electric vehicles (EVs). California’s electric utilities, including PG&E, have proposed several programs to speed up the adoption of electric vehicles as part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the meeting, CPUC Commissioner Carla Peterman and staff will briefly outline the utilities’ proposals, then ask community members about their concerns and expectations.... Read the rest

The City of Concord will soon be installing an electric vehicle charging station near Todos Santos Plaza. Although this isn’t the first car-charging station in Concord, it is the first one owned by the City. The purchase of the charging unit was made possible by a $7,000 grant from 511 Contra Costa using Bay Area Air Quality Management District Transportation Fund For Clean Air funds and Contra Costa Transportation Authority Measure J Commute Alternative funds.  ... Read the rest

Do you drive a low-emission motor vehicle? Would you like to get a sticker so you can use a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane?? Vehicles meeting specified emissions standards may be issued CAV decals allowing the vehicle to utilize the HOV (carpool or diamond) lanes of California’s freeways while being driven by a single occupant. Image via: CA DMV Check out the DMV’s Section 5205.5  and see if your car has what it takes to qualify for a sticker.... Read the rest

California residents, businesses,  non-profits, and government agencies can receive rebate of up to $2,500 toward the purchase or lease of electric plug-in vehicles. The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) provides rebates to Californians who purchase or lease electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles. The CVRP is funded through the California Air Resources Board (ARB) and is administered by the California Center for Sustainable Energy. For a list of eligible vehicles and further information, visit www.cvrp.energycenter.org or call toll free at (866) 984-CLEAN (2532).... Read the rest

New limits on commute benefits, service changes for MLK Jr. Day and the state of the environment 40 years ago as documented by American photographers. [View the story “511CC Week in Review: Dec. 31-Jan. 6, 2011” on Storify]... Read the rest

Our weekly news & events roundup for Contra Costa County, East Bay & Bay Area for transit, biking and transportation. Get your good reads on!... Read the rest

SAN FRANCISCO – 350Green announced its plans yesterday for a national network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Starting with its first project in the San Francisco Bay Area, the company plans to install and operate stations across urban retail shopping centers and other places near where EV drivers live and work. This approach aims to address two of the most vexing challenges facing widespread adoption of EVs: range anxiety and access to a garage for overnight charging.... Read the rest

As we mentioned earlier this week, the Bay Area will receive $5 million for electric vehicle charging stations as part of the Spare the Air program. This should be welcome news indeed for any current electric vehicle owners or to those considering making the switch. One of the current deterrents to going electric is the fact that a fully charged battery may only withstand short journeys (typically up to 100 miles).... Read the rest

SAN FRANCISCO – Last week, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Board of Directors approved $5 million to support further development of a regional electric vehicle charging infrastructure program in the Bay Area. Today, the Department of Energy announced the program is designed to make electric vehicle ownership a viable option for residents in the Bay Area. The EV charging stations and home chargers are part of BAAQMD’s Spare the Air program.... Read the rest

Upcoming Events & Meetings Thursday May 13, 2010 – Bike to Work Day Thursday May 13, 2010 – Evening on the Trails For more events, visit https://511contracosta.org/events/ Local News (Contra Costa County & East Bay) Bike Buck$ Program begins With road funds, Pittsburg plans 1.7-mile expressway, BART extension into East Contra Costa County, and other projects WestCAT joins Twitter Bay Area & California News Spare the Air smog season begins this week for the Bay Area Senator Joe Simitian aims to give carpool users a free ride in carpool lanes The race is on to build charging station for electric vehicles Bay Area Bicycle Coalition unveils iPhone application that will allow riders to track their bike commuting to earn prizes Follow 511CC on Twitter or Like us on Facebook to receive additional updates and the latest 511CC promotions, along with entering yourself to win a $25 gift card to Peet’s Coffee & Tea!... Read the rest