In This Issue
Proposed Changes to Electric Vehicle Charger Buy America Requirements
ADEQ Heavy Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Program
EPA Seeks Public Comment on Clean School Bus Program Revamp
Upcoming Events and Webinars
Comment Period Open for Proposed Changes to Electric Vehicle Charger Buy America Requirements
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has published a Federal Register notice on the Proposed Modification of the Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers. FHWA is seeking comments on whether it should modify the waiver to increase the cost threshold of components manufactured in the United States for EV Chargers used in Federal-aid highway projects such as the NEVI program, from 55 percent to up to 100 percent of the cost of all components.
Under the proposed modification, all such EV chargers would have to undergo final assembly in the United States, and the domestic content requirement that the cost of all components of an EV Charger that are purchased or installed with funds made available or administered by FHWA would be raised from 55 percent to up to 100 percent of the cost of components of the EV Charger.
If finalized, this proposed modification of the February 21, 2023 waiver would be immediately applicable to projects for EV Charger acquisition or installation that are obligated after publication of a final notice. This proposal is designed to provide a strong incentive for manufacturers to shift more rapidly toward domestic manufacturing processes.
The comment period ends on March 16, 2026.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Rebate Program for Heavy Duty Zero Emissions Vehicles
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is launching a Pilot Program for Heavy Duty Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV), which offers a $50,000 rebate to 20 eligible organizations that purchase qualifying all-battery electric heavy duty vehicles beginning March 3, 2026.
The pilot program aims to improve air quality while helping organizations transition to cost-effective, zero emissions vehicles. ADEQ encourages organizations using heavy duty vehicles like large walk-in trucks, city delivery vehicles, or bucket trucks to apply.
Applications will be accepted from March 3 through June 15, 2026, for vehicles purchased and delivered after March 3, 2026.
The ZEV Pilot Program has very specific terms and conditions. Learn more on the ZEV program webpage. https://azdeq.gov/zevpilot
EPA Seeks Public Comments on Clean School Bus Program Revamp
The Environmental Protection Agency is re-evaluating the Clean School Bus Program to provide school districts with increased choices and affordable options for school buses. The EPA is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to seek feedback from fleet operators, manufacturers, school officials, and energy producers on a broad range of fuel options that school bus sectors could use. These fuel options include biofuels, compressed natural gas, liquified natural gas, and hydrogen. The EPA intends to use the information gathered from the RFI and lessons learned from previous funding rounds to revamp the CSB program for the 2026 grant funding round.
EPA will hold a 45-day public comment period on the RFI, which will include an informational webinar on March 3, 2026. To comment on the RFI or register for the informational webinar, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus.
Upcoming Events
Work Truck Week is the leading annual event where the commercial vehicle industry meets each March in Indianapolis. It brings together chassis OEMs, fleets, upfitters, equipment manufacturers, distributors, truck dealers, engineers, and product leaders to see innovations, exchange knowledge, and build partnerships. For more than 25 years, this event has evolved from a traditional trade show into a dynamic, industry-wide experience.
The EV Charging Summit & Expo, will take place March 17–19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada with 200 speakers and over 5000 attendees. From commercial to government sectors, participants converge to explore real-world solutions, cost-saving technologies, and proven strategies for scalable EV charging.
The 2026 Mobility & Tech Expo provides an opportunity for fleet owners, operators, and businesses across all sizes and sectors—whether they are beginning their electrification journey or already making progress towards electrified transportation — to learn more about local resources for fleet electrification, transition planning, and the latest electrification equipment supporting this shift. Hear from experts, build your network who can help you electrify, and learn how electrification can improve your bottom line!
More than 2,100 fleet professionals from across the industry rely on NAFA’s Institute & Expo (I&E) for networking, learning and exploring the latest products and services. I&E offers three days of unparalleled education, impactful conversations, and dynamic products and services from 230+ industry’s leading suppliers. I&E is the industry’s largest gathering of fleet professionals, providing the opportunity to share insights and perspectives on the many facets of the fleet professional’s day-to-day responsibilities and strategic leadership roles. I&E provides the opportunity for fleet professionals to gain tools, resources, and knowledge needed to maximize their fleet operations.
Registration savings are available through March 13.
Upcoming Webinars
Learn how fleets are optimizing high-horsepower operations using RNG and the 15L natural gas engine to achieve strong performance, improved maintenance outcomes, and positive total cost of ownership. Speakers will share real-world lessons from operating natural gas vehicles across demanding routes and conditions.
VSCCC is proud to have Arizona Public Service (APS) as a member of our coalition. APS provides electricity to 1.3 million customers across Arizona. The utility is committed to providing affordable and reliable energy to its customers while also doing their part to advance the use of clean energy. APS has set a goal of providing 100% clean carbon-free energy to its customers by the year 2050. The company is also helping its customers adopt clean energy by providing resources on EV’s as well as energy efficient upgrades and practices.
VSCCC strives to provide alternative fuel information to all people within our region. In order to increase our outreach abilities we are working with local agencies to share our newsletter and clean fuel resources with an even greater audience. We are proud to partner with the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona's Air Quality Department, ASU's Sustainable Cities Network and Maricopa County Air Quality Department.
