Illinois Commerce Commission to begin 2020 with electric vehicle public policy session

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) will host a January public policy session focused on electric vehicles and the electrification of transportation.

The policy session will take in broader topics — such as a general layout of the national electric vehicle policy landscape — as well as more specific interests, such as necessary infrastructure, equity concerns, environmental impacts, and grid management. By providing insights into adoption and deployment in other states, the ICC and participants will seek to inform efforts in Illinois.

“In line with Governor Pritzker’s pledge to reduce Illinois’ carbon emissions, green transportation, such as electric vehicles and electric transit, can help us meet and align our energy goals,” Commissioner Maria Bocanegra said. “This policy session will bring together a panel of experts representing consumers, transit, environmental, private and public interests to discuss the national impact of an increasingly electrified future and the integration of electrification in Illinois.”

For exploring the current landscape, the ICC will bring in representatives from organizations both public and private, including the Rocky Mountain Institute, Rivian, General Motors, the Chicago Transit Authority, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Environmental Defense Fund and Atlas Public Policy. While their agenda is not yet available, the ICC intends to have it available before the session.

“Market forecasts predict that the expansion of electric mobility will surpass 30 percent of the global passenger vehicle fleet by 2040,” Bocanegra said. “Illinois needs to be ready; and as regulators, the time is now for stakeholders to be informed and foster discussions to ensure we are prepared for the challenges ahead. I welcome anyone interested in this topic to join us at this on-trend and thought-provoking policy session.”