A clean transportation future hinges on inclusivity. Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) have the potential to offer significant benefits for public health and the environment. However, decision-makers and agencies must guide the transition to ZEVs with care and intention to avoid deepening existing disparities in mobility access and pollution exposure. Considerations and thoughtful planning around groups facing steeper challenges in accessing and adopting ZEVs is essential.
This webinar will feature presentations, followed by a discussion with experts who are advancing equitable and inclusive ZEV adoption. They will share insights into barriers faced by diverse groups and learnings from engagement and programs deployed to foster inclusive uptake.
What to expect within the webinar
- Introductions – 5 minutes
- Speaker presentations – 40 minutes (~10 minutes per presentation)
- Panel discussion - 25 minutes
- Audience Q/A – 10 minutes
- Closeout – 5 minutes
Panelists
Niki Okuk
Deputy Director, CALSTART
Niki Okuk is Deputy Director of Trucks and Off-Road. In this position, she works to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission medium and heavy duty trucks for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program (HVIP), funded by California Climate Investments (CCI). Okuk has substantial experience in the freight, trucking, and port operations as well as a long track record in environmental justice, building community capacity, and equity outcomes.
Niki Okuk received a Bachelor in Economics and Political Science from Columbia University, a Master in Business Administration from Nanyang University, and a certificate in Sustainability from MIT Sloan School of Business.
Jana McKinny
Energy Commission Specialist I, California Energy Commission
Jana McKinny is an Energy Commission Specialist in the Project Integration Unit, Strategy, Equity and Economic Benefits Branch of the Fuels and Transportation Division at the California Energy Commission focusing on workforce training and development initiatives to support electric vehicles and charging infrastructure for the Clean Transportation Program. Jana is the primary author of the Zero-Emission Vehicle Workforce Training and Development Strategy, A Roadmap for Clean Transportation Program Funding. Among other initiatives, her portfolio includes agreement manager for select Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Accessible, and Local (IDEAL) ZEV Workforce Pilot projects.
Jana McKinny holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Colorado State University. Before joining the Energy Commission in January 2023, Jana completed an internship at the Colorado Department of Transportation, Office of Innovative Mobility.
Larry Rillera
Staff Air Pollution Specialist, California Air Resources Board
Larry Rillera is a Staff Air Pollution Specialist with the California Air Resources Board. Larry leads teams for community equity, outreach and engagement, clean transportation initiatives, and partnership activities. He serves on interagency teams, public-private-partnership ventures, and engages with communities, California Tribes, and businesses in helping to decarbonize the transportation sector while communities accrue direct benefits of investments.
Larry was the architect of several innovative state financing solutions for solar panel manufacturers, electric vehicle charging station construction, and ZEV manufacturing. Larry also brings knowledge and experience with labor and workforce in the clean energy/transportation space.
Larry received a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science at the University of California at Davis and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Southern California.
Cara Clairman
President & CEO, Plug'n Drive
Cara Clairman is President and CEO of Plug’n Drive, a non-profit that is accelerating the deployment of electric vehicles to maximize their environmental and economic benefits. Cara has taken Plug’n Drive from an idea to a thriving non-profit, recognized as a leader in the electric vehicle space. Focused on accelerating electric vehicle adoption through outreach and education for over 10 years, Plug'n Drive has developed a number of award winning programs to encourage consumers and fleets to make the switch from gas to electric.
Cara has more than 25 years of experience working in the environmental and sustainability fields, including 12 years working at Ontario Power Generation and five years practicing environmental law with the Torys law firm.
Cara received a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall and a Master of Environmental Studies from York University, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University.
Contact
For questions, contact:
Sarah McBain
Senior Analyst | Pembina Institute
SarahMc@pembina.org