Full-Time
Nonprofit advancing clean transportation tech adoption
$72k - $85.8k/yr
Remote in USA
Remote
Bachelor's
See people who can refer or advise you
CALSTART is a nonprofit organization that supports the clean transportation industry. It works with member companies and government agencies to speed up the development, testing, and market adoption of new clean transportation technologies and programs. It also conducts policy advocacy to increase funding and opportunities for clean transport. Unlike groups that only develop tech, CALSTART emphasizes collaboration, demonstration projects, and deployment efforts across partners to move technologies from lab to real-world use. Its goal is to create jobs, reduce air pollution, and address climate change by accelerating the shift to clean transportation.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$50K
Headquarters
Pasadena, California
Founded
1992
See people who can refer or advise you
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Parental Leave
Port of New york/new Jersey promotes zero-emission trucks. Sep 4, 2026 at 12:40 PM The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Panynj) has launched a grant program in collaboration with the non-profit organization CALSTART, amounting to $45 million, to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks and the necessary charging infrastructure at the busiest container port on the East Coast. The programs, which will start in the fall of 2026, aim to support the sustainability goals of the Port Authority and improve air quality in the surrounding communities. Grant programs for zero-emission vehicles. The Clean Truck Incentive (CTI) program will provide up to $39 million in the form of vouchers for the purchase of zero-emission trucks and terminal tractors. Additionally, the Green Drayage Accelerator (GDA) program will promote the establishment of up to five charging centers for electric trucks within a 10-mile radius of the port facilities with $5 million. These initiatives are designed to facilitate access for port operators to affordable, zero-emission vehicles and charging options. The Port Authority is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and plans to support its partners and contractors during this period. "The trucks that pass through our gates are critical to the region's economy," said Kevin O'Toole, Chairman of the Port Authority. "This partnership with CALSTART brings zero-emission vehicles and the necessary infrastructure within reach of the operators who work at the port every day." Long-term impacts and transparency. CALSTART will design and manage the programs and plans to develop dynamic tracking dashboards to monitor the impact of the initiatives. These dashboards will document the usage of vehicles and charging infrastructure and are expected to be fully handed over to the Port Authority by 2028. To promote acceptance within the trucking community, informational events and materials are being planned. The funding for the programs comes from a $451 million grant awarded to the Port Authority under the Clean Ports Program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is the largest sustainability grant in the history of the Port Authority. In addition to the CALSTART programs, the grant will also support the deployment of electric chargers for cargo handling at the marine terminals and enable the installation of shore power infrastructure for container ships. The new programs are part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy of the Port Authority, which already includes various initiatives, such as a Truck Replacement Program that provides incentives for replacing older, high-emission engines, as well as a Clean Vessel Incentive Program that rewards shipping companies for reducing their speed near the port. Additionally, the expansion of the port's ExpressRail system will enable more environmentally friendly transportation of goods to the Midwest region, New England, and Canada. The Port Authority has also opened a charging station for electric trucks at the Port of Newark, equipped with four fast chargers. Progress towards the Port Authority's emission goals is documented in the latest air emissions inventory, which shows a reduction of sulfur dioxide by 98% and nitrogen oxides and particulate matter by more than 83% since 2006, while cargo volume has increased by nearly 71% during the same period. The new programs are part of a comprehensive approach to improving conditions for truck drivers serving the port, including the modernization of roads and the enhancement of infrastructure.
NWSA taps CALSTART to administer Zero-Emission Drayage Assistance Program. The clean transportation nonprofit will provide free technical assistance services to drayage fleets serving the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma looking to transition to cleaner technologies and help decarbonize freight hubs. CALSTART Media Contact: Jennifer Smith, CALSTART (626) 744-5645, [email protected] TACOMA, WA - CALSTART, a leading global clean transportation nonprofit, has announced the launch of the Zero-Emission Drayage Assistance Program (ZDAP), a new program led by the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) in partnership with CALSTART. It will be used to educate drayage operators about the zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) available on today's market and help them discover state-funded ZEVs and charging infrastructure incentives to make the transition to cleaner technologies a breeze. ZDAP is designed to eliminate confusion drayage operators may have about switching to zero-emission technologies. CALSTART, the program's lead consultant, will provide drayage operators with free personalized support to help them better understand today's zero-emission truck (ZET) market and evaluate their needs based on operational considerations, including fleet readiness and timelines. Fleets will be given one point of contact to help them navigate the process of identifying vehicles and financing opportunities and deploying zero-emission drayage technologies. "The ports' commitment through ZDAP and their development of charging depots with partners like Zeem, in addition to millions of dollars in truck orders through WAZIP, the state DOT incentive project, demonstrate that zero-emission trucks have real fuel and maintenance costs savings for fleets, paving the way for the zero-emission transition," said Niki Okuk, Director of New Incentive Programs, CALSTART. Program participation is optional, and there are no hidden fees associated with using the advisory services. Contact ZDAP program leads if you are interested in adopting zero-emission trucks and speaking to a fleet advisor today. Background People living in disadvantaged communities are most at risk for developing asthma and cardiovascular diseases from transportation-related air pollution because of their location near major freight corridors, including ports. To address these concerns, while also growing the ZET market, drayage operators are considering switching to ZEVs that reduce environmental health impacts. ZEV state incentive programs like the Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program (WAZIP), funded by the state's Climate Commitment Act, reduce the cost of ZETs by offering point-of-sale discounts on medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles and are helping fleet owner-operators buy more affordable, cleaner vehicles. Drayage fleets ready to transition are encouraged to explore the WAZIP vehicle catalog and apply for funding before it is gone. As interest in zero-emission drayage grows, charging infrastructure is also breaking ground in the region. Zeem Solutions is developing a commercial vehicle charging site near SeaTac that is designed to support drayage operations with charging access and capabilities; it is expected to open at the end of 2026. Today, Washington State has surpassed 2,000 cumulative ZET deployments and continues to be one of the top five states with the fastest ZET adoption according to the normalized ZET score found in CALSTART's June 2026 Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Trucks report. NWSA continues to make freight decarbonization a priority and is working with partners like CALSTART to create an equitable and healthier tomorrow for drayage workers and residents near the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma. Through ZDAP, WAZIP, the NWSA's Clean Truck Program, and other statewide programs, Washington State will see widespread advancement of ZETs and better air quality. WAZIP will host a Ride & Drive event on September 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington. Attendees will have the opportunity to test drive and explore eligible zero-emission commercial vehicles and equipment, compare technologies from multiple manufacturers, and connect with dealers, utilities, technical advisors, and WAZIP staff. The event will provide practical information about WAZIP vouchers, funding opportunities, and technical assistance to help businesses evaluate vehicle and equipment options, better understand available incentives, and make informed decisions about transitioning to zero-emission transportation. Registration is free at https://tinyurl.com/bdzcrjp6. CALSTART is a global nonprofit that brings together industry, government, and communities to advance and accelerate affordable clean transportation solutions accessible to all. Its work is critical to delivering cleaner air, curbing climate change, and creating economic opportunity. Learn more at calstart.org.
Forth Roadmap Conference: be a part of the Medium- and Heavy-Duty vehicle conversation. The countdown is on. This September, transportation leaders from across the country will gather at the Forth Roadmap Conference, the nation's premier event for transportation electrification. Bringing together policymakers, utilities, automakers, charging providers, fleet operators, advocates, and technology innovators, Roadmap creates a unique opportunity to tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the future of electric mobility. At a time when the transportation industry is navigating an ever-evolving policy environment alongside a growing demand for cleaner freight solutions, there has never been a more important moment to come together. Meaningful progress depends on collaboration, and Roadmap provides the forum where ideas become action. This year, CALSTART is proud to partner with Forth to introduce the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Track, powered by CALSTART. This is a totally new conference track dedicated to advancing the conversations driving commercial transportation forward. "We have always deeply respected CALSTART's work, especially in medium and heavy-duty electrification. We're excited to bring their expertise and network to Roadmap this year," said Jeff Allen, Executive Director of Forth. As the first medium- and heavy-duty vehicle track in the conference's history, this new addition expands Roadmap's programming to address one of the fastest-moving segments of transportation electrification. From freight and ports to incentive programs and federal policy, attendees will gain valuable insights from industry experts working on today's most pressing challenges. "We're excited and honored to partner with Forth to expand the Roadmap experience, integrating robust medium- and heavy-duty vehicle discussions as well as many other areas of mutual commitment," said Michael Berube, CEO of CALSTART. "Together, with our shared visions in one room, we can - and will - transform the transportation industry to fight climate change and improve public health." Explore the Medium- and Heavy-Duty vehicle track. The CALSTART-powered track features three sessions designed to help attendees better understand the policies, partnerships, and practical solutions shaping the future of commercial vehicle electrification. Turning Policy into Practice: Leading MHD Electrification Initiatives Monday, September 14 | 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Learn how successful medium- and heavy-duty incentive programs are built from the ground up. Moderated by CALSTART's Betz Mayer, this session will bring together leaders managing some of the country's most impactful transportation electrification initiatives to discuss program design, implementation, and strategies for advancing economic growth alongside cleaner transportation. Electrifying America's Ports: Strategies to Unlock Freight Decarbonization Monday, September 14 | 1:00-2:15 p.m. Ports are uniquely positioned to accelerate freight electrification, but deploying zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure requires collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Hear from leaders including Colleen Liang, Director of Environmental Programs and Planning at the Port of Oakland, and CALSTART's Valerie Thorsen as they share real-world lessons, challenges, and strategies for reducing emissions across port operations. Transit Resilience: Advancing Zero-Emission Bus Solutions Tuesday, September 15 | 10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Across the country, transit agencies are adopting zero-emission buses (ZEB) to modernize transit systems, support high-quality local jobs and improve quality of life in the communities they serve. However, this shift brings new operational and financial challenges for transit agencies who are also managing tight budgets, staffing shortages, and increasing service demands. This panel will highlight practical strategies for deploying zero-emission fleets - including funding, green tech innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development - while building more resilient, future-ready transit systems. Plenary: Federal EV Policy: United for Progress Tuesday, September 15 | 2:45-3:45 p.m. Federal transportation policy continues to evolve, creating both new challenges and opportunities for the clean transportation industry. This plenary session will feature Michael Berube alongside Cat Plein of Forth and Hana Creger of The Greenlining Institute as they explore how industry, government, and advocacy organizations can work together to align policy, funding, and partnerships to accelerate affordable electric transportation nationwide. Whether you're involved in shaping public policy, managing fleets, deploying charging infrastructure, or advancing new technologies, the Forth Roadmap Conference offers an unmatched opportunity to connect with the leaders driving transportation electrification forward. CALSTART, Inc. is excited to help expand this year's conference through the new Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Track and look forward to the conversations, collaborations, and innovations that will emerge. CALSTART members receive 10% off full conference tickets when they use the code below! Code: CALSTART Interested in sponsoring? Contact CALSTART's Membership Engagement Manager, Rachel Baker, to find out how: [email protected].
Buckle up: hear NYSERDA's President and CEO keynote at the sixth annual Clean Trucks NY event. Join CALSTART and TANY to learn about the state of zero-emission trucks in New York and give one a spin! CALSTART Media Contact: Jennifer Smith, CALSTART (626) 744-5645, [email protected] OSSINING, NY - Charge up for CALSTART and the Trucking Association of New York's (TANY's) Clean Trucks NY annual event, one of the New York's most anticipated zero-emission truck events of the year. This year's event, now in its sixth year, is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Empire Clean Cities to bring an even bigger and better event experience for attendees. Clean Trucks NY convenes trucking industry professionals, fleet managers, infrastructure developers, government officials, and environmental advocates interested in switching to zero-emission vehicles and improving air quality across the state and beyond. This comprehensive event will offer attendees the opportunity to join educational panels that cover federal and state policies shaping the industry, funding opportunities from programs like the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program, community experiences, and more. During the event, participants can explore a resources fair to connect with experts from leading vehicle and equipment manufacturers, then cruise outside to the vehicle showcase to test the breadth of zero-emission technologies available on today's market. With an opening keynote by NYSERDA's President and CEO, Doreen Harris, this is an event you won't want to miss! WHO: The speakers across state and industry organizations include: Keynote by Doreen Harris, President and CEO, NYSERDA. Panel speakers: * State of the State: * Susan McSherry, Director of Alternative Fuel Program, NYC Department of Transportation * Renae Reynolds, Executive Director, Tristate Transportation Campaign * Vladmir Gutman-Britten, Senior Director of Policy and Analysis, NYSERDA. * Alternate Fuels: * Ben Mandel, VP of Market Development, L-Charge * Steve Level, Managing Director, Sprague Energy * Steve Dodge, Director of State Regulatory Affairs, Sprague Energy * Chance Parker, VP of Electric Vehicles, Hendrickson Fleet Solutions. * Non-Road: * Sean Dubman, Fleet Manager, Wegmans Food Markets * Michael Aikens, Regional Sales Manager, Orange EV * Andrea Wilholm, Senior Program Manager, APM Terminals * Sydney Hayes, Lead Project Manager, CALSTART. * Deployment Assistance: * Keith Kerman, NYC Chief Fleet Officer, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Citywide Administrative Services * Mike Bangert-Drowns, Senior Project Manager of Clean Transportation, NYSERDA * Kameale Terry, Chief Executive Officer, ChargerHelp! * Ryan Wheeler, Fleet Electrification Product Owner, National Grid. * Community Experience: * Matt Van Slyke, Founder, Utica Bike Rescue * Karla Sosa, Manager, New York-New Jersey State Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund * Conor Bambrick, Senior Climate Advisor, NYC Environmental Justice Alliance. * Electric Freight Hubs, Ports, and Corridors: * Yasmine Pessar, Principle Environmental Programs Specialist, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey * Paula Hanebach, Supply Chain Fleet Program Manager, PepsiCo * Kevin Miller, Managing Policy Advisor, Tesla * Vinny Riscica, E-Mobility Section Manager, Con Edison. WHAT: A conference, exhibition, and zero-emission vehicle showcase. See agenda for more information. WHEN: Monday, July 20, 5 p.m.-Tuesday, July 21, 5 p.m. EST WHERE: Windrose on Hudson, 1 Shady Lane Farm Rd, Ossining, NY 10562 Participating original equipment manufacturers include: * FirstGreen Industries * Hendrickson Fleet Solutions * International Trucks * Orange EV. Participating exhibitors include: * Advanced Fuel Solutions * Con Edison * Isuzu Commercial Truck of America * Hunter Trucks * Kalmar Ottowa * National Grid * NYSERDA * Polara Energy * Port Authority of New York and New Jersey * Sprague Operating Resources * Sprocket Power * And all original equipment manufacturer showcase participants. In New York State, transportation accounts for around one-third of statewide greenhouse gas emissions. As part of New York's plan to achieve reduced emissions from the transportation sector and to improve air quality for New Yorkers, Clean Trucks NY is a valuable opportunity for the trucking community and other constituencies to learn more about market-ready zero-emission technologies available today. By replacing heavily polluting medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission vehicles, fleets can save on operating costs, air pollution can be reduced, and New York can continue to attract private sector investment from this burgeoning technology sector. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Media interviews can be arranged ahead of the event. Contact CALSTART's Media Manager, Jennifer Smith, to plan. Additional resources for your reporting include: * CALSTART's Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Trucks report, published in June 2026 * New York has a total of 3,923 total zero-emission truck deployments as of December 2025. * New York is one of the top five states in Normalized zero-emission deployments (.97). * American Lung Association's State of the Air: New York report card * New York reports data on 23 out of 62 counties. * New York County received a "D" grade; "F" grades were given to the following counties: Putnam, Queens, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester. CALSTART is a global nonprofit that brings together industry, government, and communities to advance and accelerate affordable clean transportation solutions accessible to all. Its work is critical to delivering cleaner air, curbing climate change, and creating economic opportunity. Learn more at calstart.org.
DEQ's Climate Protection Program announces CALSTART as provisional Community Climate Investment entity. Statewide, OR - The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality selected the non-profit CALSTART and partners as a provisional Community Climate Investment entity for the agency's Climate Protection Program. The Climate Protection Program is designed to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from fossil fuels, while prioritizing benefits for disadvantaged communities and supporting Oregon's transition to cleaner energy. An important part of the program is the Community Climate Investments, which will fund greenhouse gas pollution reduction projects in Oregon. Earlier this year, DEQ opened a 10-week request for applications for any organizations interested in becoming a Community Climate Investment entity. After extensive review of those applications, including feedback from the program's equity advisory committee, DEQ is excited to have provisionally selected CALSTART. "As a longtime Oregon resident, I am proud to bring CALSTART's national expertise to this effort and work alongside Oregon's accomplished partners and DEQ to advance a clean, affordable energy future for communities across the state." - Connor Herman, Program Manager, CALSTART