This guest blog was written by Dr. Dan Zhu, Ph.D., LEED GA, Chief Climate Officer with the City of Gainesville, FL; and Jennie Ford, an Environmental Planner with the City of Gainesville’s Department of Sustainable Development.On Friday, October 25, Gainesville accelerated its commitment to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 with an electric vehicle (EV) Ride and Drive event hosted in partnership with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. This event provided city leaders, elected officials, and staff the unique opportunity to test drive a Tesla Model 3, immersing them in the benefits of EV technology while highlighting Gainesville’s ongoing efforts in transportation electrification. Transportation electrification is a key priority in Gainesville’s Climate Resilience Plan, with the city’s EV Steering Committee hard at work developing a comprehensive plan for electrifying both city and bus fleets, along with public charging infrastructure across the city.
The test drives offered more than just a thrilling ride—they were an opportunity to learn about the technology directly, with a knowledgeable EV driver in the passenger seat. Dory Larsen, Senior ET Program Manager with the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, brought expertise and patient guidance to the experience, ensuring participants fully understood the benefits and mechanics of EVs, as well as available tax incentives. Alongside her, city staff shared information on Gainesville’s recent initiatives to increase EV adoption, enhancing participant engagement and bolstering support for the city’s electrification goals.
“Driving a Tesla showcases the remarkable range and seamless technology of electric vehicles—it’s a glimpse into a cleaner, smarter future.”
Participants from various city departments—including Human Resources, Fleet, Public Works, Parks, Housing, Communications and Sustainable Development—joined, as did an elected official, including a representative from the Alachua County and City of Gainesville Joint Water and Climate Policy Board. For many, this was their first time behind the wheel of a Tesla, and the experience was met with enthusiasm and appreciation for the support provided by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
This event not only fueled excitement around EVs but also reinforced Gainesville’s dedication to creating a sustainable, resilient future for all. Together, we’re embracing a cleaner, greener path forward.
“Taking Tesla’s autonomous driving for a spin, we’re showcasing how effortless and impactful the switch to electric vehicles can be for our community and our world.”
The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s Electrify the South program leverages research, advocacy, and outreach to accelerate the equitable transition to electric transportation across the Southeast. Visit ElectrifytheSouth.org to learn more and connect with us.
The post Gainesville Embraces Electrification: City Leaders and Staff Test Drive Tesla Model 3 at EV Ride & Drive Event appeared first on SACE | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.
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Ørsted Finishes Revolution Wind, RWE Wins German Auction
Allen covers record bank financing for clean energy, Oracle’s 1.7 GW Texas wind deal, RWE’s German auction win, Denmark scrapping its turbine cap, and Revolution Wind finishing off Rhode Island.
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I’m not sure that Fox News caused the decline of our nation, but it certainly makes some level of sense.
When I was young, there was no source of “news” that was based solely on the profit to be made by making Americans stupid and mean. In fact, news in most of the 20th Century really didn’t have any real commercial value, because it wasn’t used to sell drugs and useless crap to elderly, addle-minded white people 24 hours a day.
Thirty years later, we have people who are as addicted to this hate news as alcoholics need another shot of booze.
The civilized world is thrilled to see the Catholic church take on the mantle of environmentalism, especially since the religious right still quotes from the Book of Genesis: Only God can destroy the Earth to justify climate denialism.
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