True Decommissioning: Removing Internal Combustion Engine Light-Duty Vehicles Permanently, Quickly, and Equitably

Abstract

In this paper, we define True Decommissioning as the removal of internal combustion engine light-duty vehicles from the road permanently, quickly, and equitably. We discuss each interlinked component of True Decommissioning. We then outline the next steps for implementation, including engaging stakeholders, evaluating economic costs and benefits, and understanding policies and programs. Finally, we present a table of unanswered research questions in this area, including those our research group is working on. We welcome discussions on how we can achieve True Decommissioning and work together to facilitate an equitable transition to clean light-duty vehicle mobility for all.

Assessing justice in California’s transition to electric vehicles

“…These calls have come from governments, 10 , 11 environmental justice groups, 12 , 13 and scholars. 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 Centering justice in the transition to clean energy and transportation systems requires consideration of access to clean transportation technologies, and the distribution of associated benefits and externalities. 20 Energy justice, a subset of environmental justice, is often defined using three core tenets 14 : procedural justice, referring to the inclusion and participation of different groups in decision-making processes; distributive justice, referring to the distribution of benefits, both geographically and among different groups; and recognition justice, which refers to the valuation of certain groups of people compared to others.…”

“…Equity refers to the fair distribution of burdens and benefits, as well as the agency of individuals to meet their own needs. 16 , 22 In this paper, we assess equity in sub-systems of California’s transportation system in order to assess justice in the state’s transition to clean passenger vehicles.…”