Featured Stories
TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo to Host "Dual-Use Innovation and Its Role in National Competitiveness" Panel
COLUMBIA, Maryland, Sept. 22 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release:
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TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo to Host "Dual-Use Innovation and Its Role in National Competitiveness" Panel
Session will feature leaders from DARPA, SOFWERX and Army FUZE, moderated by TEDCO board chair David Tohn
COLUMBIA, Md., (September 21, 2026) -- TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announces the "Dual-Use Innovation and Its Role in National Competitiveness" session at the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo taking place at the Hilton Baltimore Inner
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COLUMBIA, Maryland, Sept. 22 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release:
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TEDCO's Entrepreneur Expo to Host "Dual-Use Innovation and Its Role in National Competitiveness" Panel
Session will feature leaders from DARPA, SOFWERX and Army FUZE, moderated by TEDCO board chair David Tohn
COLUMBIA, Md., (September 21, 2026) -- TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announces the "Dual-Use Innovation and Its Role in National Competitiveness" session at the upcoming 2026 Entrepreneur Expo taking place at the Hilton Baltimore InnerHarbor on October 27, 2026.
The session will bring together Jennifer Thabet, office director of the Small Business Programs Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, where she established DARPAConnect to lower the barriers facing companies new to the agency and the national security space; Leslie Babich, director of SOFWERX, the Tampa-based nonprofit innovation platform partnered with U.S. Special Operations Command, and retired Air Force colonel; and Blaise Zandoli, portfolio manager at Army FUZE, the Army's integrated innovation program, which brings xTech, SBIR/STTR, Manufacturing Technology and the Technology Maturation Initiative under a single coordinated framework -- for a conversation moderated by David Tohn, chair of TEDCO's board of directors and CEO of BTS Software Solutions.
Technologies developed for commercial markets increasingly find defense applications, and technologies developed inside federal laboratories increasingly find commercial ones. Bridging those two worlds is difficult in practice. Government acquisition timelines, contracting requirements and program structures are unfamiliar terrain for most founders, and the offices built to close that gap are not widely understood. This session examines how those bridges work and what Maryland companies need to know to cross them.
"The technology is rarely the hard part. The hard part is that commercial companies and defense customers operate on different clocks and speak different languages," said Tohn. "Maryland has more of this infrastructure than any other state. The opportunity is to make it legible to the founders who could actually use it."
Panelists will discuss how organizations built to connect commercial innovators with military end users evaluate opportunities, what makes a company a credible partner and where Maryland technology companies fit. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the pathways available and how to approach them.
Few states are better positioned for this conversation. The U.S. National Science Foundation reports that federal obligations for research and development to performers in California and Maryland together account for nearly 27% of all such funding across the states, with $17 billion directed to Maryland, and the State hosts more than 78 federal laboratories, according to the Maryland Department of Commerce's Guide to Tech Transfer in Maryland. Maryland has also built dedicated infrastructure for the handoff: the Maryland Defense Technology Commercialization Center (DefTech), a joint initiative between TEDCO and the Maryland Department of Commerce, connects Maryland businesses to Department of Defense laboratories for product development, cooperative research and access to federal lab facilities, equipment and expertise.
TEDCO's award-winning Entrepreneur Expo shines a spotlight on regional entrepreneurship. Attracting more than 1,170 attendees, the event collects some of the region's top entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, venture capital investors, legislators and resources for a day of celebration. This year, the event will take place in Baltimore, one of the top 20 best cities for entrepreneurs, offering a full day of interactive workshops, insightful discussions and inspiring connections.
Don't miss the opportunity to learn from the region's top experts; secure your spot at this impactful event now at tedcomdexpo.com/event/2026/register.
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About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.
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Original text here: https://www.tedcomd.com/press-release/tedcos-entrepreneur-expo-host-dual-use-innovation-and-its-role-national
Okla. A.G. Drummond Alerts National Security Council to Exploitation of FDA Approved Drugs by Chinese Businesses
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Sept. 22 (TNSida) -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release:
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Drummond alerts National Security Council to exploitation of FDA approved drugs by Chinese businesses
September 21, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 21, 2026) - Attorney General Gentner Drummond is alerting Secretary of State Marco Rubio to a national security risk to the pharmaceutical supply chain that is being exploited by Chinese businesses.
Drummond and 19 other state attorneys general sent a letter last week to Secretary Rubio identifying national security risks
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Sept. 22 (TNSida) -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release:
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Drummond alerts National Security Council to exploitation of FDA approved drugs by Chinese businesses
September 21, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 21, 2026) - Attorney General Gentner Drummond is alerting Secretary of State Marco Rubio to a national security risk to the pharmaceutical supply chain that is being exploited by Chinese businesses.
Drummond and 19 other state attorneys general sent a letter last week to Secretary Rubio identifying national security risksfrom dangerous pharmaceutical ingredients used in popular compounded GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide, tirzepatide and retatrutide. In one instance, a business in China exploiting gaps in oversight had direct ties to entities who manufacture fentanyl.
"Chinese businesses have found and exploited a gap in the system that gives them a direct line to patients in the U.S. who use popular injectable prescription drugs," Drummond said. "This exploitation not only poses risks to the health and safety of consumers, but it constitutes a national security risk."
Drummond and the coalition are urging Secretary Rubio and the National Security Council to establish greater oversight of the Green List program or halt the potentially deadly ingredients from entering the country disguised as safe prescription medication.
In September 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the creation of a Green List of suppliers, which has effectively given Chinese suppliers the ability to ship unapproved, knock-off products to the United States without detention or inspection. As the letter states, despite efforts to verify the true source, chain of command and downstream use of the ingredients in real time, the Green List has become a laundering channel.
Harbin Jixianglong Biotech Co., Ltg (Harbin), a Chinese company, was found to have purchased knock-off semaglutide from a non-Green List facility that was not registered with the FDA. Since Harbin was on the Green List, it was only after an on-site inspection that it was discovered that Harbin had repackaged and relabeled the non-Green List products under Harbin's name, changed the manufacturing and retest dates, and distributed them to the United States.
Other states joining the letter include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia.
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INFODOC: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/september/2026.09.17 - Letter to Sec. Rubio re GLPs.pdf
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/september/drummond-alerts-national-security-council-to-exploitation-of-fda-approved-drugs-by-chinese-businesses.html
N.C. Public Instruction Dept.: North Carolina Awards $1.2 Million for Innovative Digital Teaching and Learning
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 22 -- The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction issued the following news release:
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September 21, 2026
North Carolina Awards $1.2 Million for Innovative Digital Teaching and Learning
Raleigh, NC
Seventeen North Carolina public school districts and charter schools will receive more than $1.2 million in grant funding during the 2026-2027 school year to support innovative digital teaching and learning initiatives across the state. The State Board of Education (SBE) approved the funding through North Carolina's competitive Digital Learning Initiative
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 22 -- The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction issued the following news release:
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September 21, 2026
North Carolina Awards $1.2 Million for Innovative Digital Teaching and Learning
Raleigh, NC
Seventeen North Carolina public school districts and charter schools will receive more than $1.2 million in grant funding during the 2026-2027 school year to support innovative digital teaching and learning initiatives across the state. The State Board of Education (SBE) approved the funding through North Carolina's competitive Digital Learning InitiativeGrant Program.
"The goal of the program is to identify, elevate and share effective models of instructional innovation that demonstrate digital leadership, strengthen educator practice and improve student learning," said Dr. Vanessa Wren, chief information officer for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). "Through statewide collaboration and sharing of promising practices, these locally developed models can inform and inspire high-quality digital teaching and learning across North Carolina's public schools."
Each grant supports a local Public School Unit (PSU) by addressing emerging instructional challenges, purposefully integrating innovative technologies, strengthening educator capacity and developing new approaches that improve student learning experiences and outcomes.
Instructional Innovation Grant
Five PSUs were awarded a combined $217,425 through the 2026-2027 Instructional Innovation Grant. This one-year grant supports initiatives that provide high-quality professional learning or the purposeful integration of innovative instructional technologies.
The 2026-2027 Instructional Innovation Grant recipients are:
* Anson County Schools
* Asheville City Schools
* Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools
* Johnston County Public Schools
* Research Triangle High School
Each funded initiative aligns with the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan and the digital learning competencies established by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Together, the projects will help educators build their capacity to transform teaching and learning while creating opportunities for students to strengthen agency, engagement, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and authentic application of knowledge.
Continuing Impact Grant
Twelve PSUs will receive more than $1 million combined in continued funding for the second or third year of their Digital Learning Impact grants. These multi-year initiatives support the development, implementation and evaluation of innovative digital teaching and learning practices.
The Continuing Impact Grant recipients are:
* Alamance-Burlington School System
* Buncombe County Schools
* Catawba County Schools
* Chatham County Schools
* Cumberland County Schools
* Edenton-Chowan Schools
* Guilford County Schools
* Lake Norman Charter
* Moore County Schools
* Orange County Schools
* Randolph County School System
* Wake County Public School System
The grant initiative was authorized in 2016 by the General Assembly as part of collaboration between the SBE and the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at N.C. State University to advance the state's Digital Learning Plan. The goal of the plan is to develop a long-term strategy that sets directions and priorities, supports innovation and provides resources to enable educators and students to benefit fully from digital-age teaching and learning.
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Original text here: https://www.dpi.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/21/north-carolina-awards-12-million-innovative-digital-teaching-and-learning
N.C. Commerce Dept.: North Carolina Reports $500 Million in New Investments, 300 New Businesses, and Nearly 2,500 New Jobs Through Main Street Program
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 22 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release:
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September 21, 2026
North Carolina Reports $500 Million in New Investments, 300 New Businesses, and Nearly 2,500 New Jobs through Main Street Program
More than $6.6 billion invested in Main Street communities
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The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center reported today that since the inception of the Main Street program in North Carolina in 1980, designated Main Street and Small Town Main Street communities have leveraged more than $6.6 billion in public and private investment
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 22 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release:
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September 21, 2026
North Carolina Reports $500 Million in New Investments, 300 New Businesses, and Nearly 2,500 New Jobs through Main Street Program
More than $6.6 billion invested in Main Street communities
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The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center reported today that since the inception of the Main Street program in North Carolina in 1980, designated Main Street and Small Town Main Street communities have leveraged more than $6.6 billion in public and private investmentin their downtown districts. This investment supported more than 8,700 building rehabilitations and a net gain of more than 8,800 businesses and nearly 42,000 jobs.
In addition, the N.C. Department of Commerce, which houses the program, announced that NC Main Street communities recorded significant numbers during fiscal year 2025-26, gaining nearly $514 million in local public and private investment, 318 new businesses, and nearly 2,500 jobs in their downtowns. These results are from the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center's fiscal year reports for the 72 designated Main Street and the eight designated Small Town Main Street communities.
"Strong downtowns support small businesses, create jobs, and help North Carolinians thrive," said Governor Josh Stein. "I'm proud to see Main Street communities across North Carolina continue to invest in their downtowns and create opportunities for their people. These investments are a testament to what is possible when communities build great places for people to work and live."
"The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center team works with communities across the state to build economic development strategies that drive investment, business growth and job creation," said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. "Every community has unique strengths, and through the NC Main Street program, they gain the tools to leverage those assets for long-term economic prosperity, keeping our state First in Opportunity."
NC Main Street Program
Currently, designated Main Street communities range in population from 1,435 to 115,053. All were under 50,000 in population at the time of designation. These communities partner at the local level with a Main Street director, a board of directors, and a host of community volunteers.
Main Street communities reported the following statistics from their 2025-26 work:
* $507,114,044 in downtown public and private investment
* 2,393 new jobs
* 308 new businesses
* 276 building renovations
* 347 facade improvements
* 83,942 volunteer hours with a value of $2,882,570
Since 1980, designated Main Street communities have seen $6,443,526,259 in downtown public and private investment, more than 39,000 jobs, and a net gain of more than 8,200 businesses. Designated Main Street communities use strategic planning, technical assistance, and training and education that they receive from the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center to develop economic development strategies that are transformational for their downtown districts.
"Main Street communities continue to show the power of local leadership and strong partnerships," said Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development at the N.C. Department of Commerce. "The investment and growth reported this year highlight how rural towns are turning their assets into real economic opportunity."
"Local Main Street programs continue to demonstrate strong momentum, with new investment, job creation, and business development statewide. We're seeing transformative projects, including renovated mills, rehabilitated theaters, new mixed-use developments, streetscapes and public spaces, and revitalized historic commercial buildings that are housing new businesses. All of these projects are creating vibrancy in downtowns and leveraging opportunities for entrepreneurs," said Liz Parham, director of the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center.
Small Town Main Street Program
The designated Small Town Main Street communities have been successful in revitalizing the state's smallest communities. The Small Town Main Street program operates in communities with populations below 5,000 that have the capacity to run a volunteer-driven downtown revitalization initiative. Small Town Main Street communities reported the following statistics from their 2025-26 work:
* $6,870,181 in downtown public and private investment
* 74 new jobs
* 10 new businesses
* 21 building renovations
* 11 facade improvements
* 10,751 volunteer hours with a value of $369,188
Since its inception in 2003, the Small Town program has welcomed $172,378,853 in downtown public and private investment, more than 2,400 jobs, and a net gain of 610 businesses.
The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center works in regions, counties, cities, towns, downtown districts, and designated North Carolina Main Street communities to inspire placemaking through building asset-based economic development strategies that achieve measurable results such as investment, business growth, and jobs. The Main Street staff provides strategic economic development planning, technical assistance for project and program development, training and education, and grants and funding guidance to participating communities under the structure of the Main Street America(TM) program. The program incorporates transformative economic development strategies that are implemented through a Four-Point Approach to Downtown Revitalization: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion and Organization. The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center is North Carolina's state coordinating program for Main Street America, created by the National Main Street Center. Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for 46 years, as the leading voice for preservation-based economic development and community revitalization across the country.
For more information on the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center and its programs, visit the website (https://www.nccommerce.com/about-us/divisions-programs/rural-economic-development/nc-main-street-rural-planning-center).
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Original text here: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/21/north-carolina-reports-500-million-new-investments-300-new-businesses-and-nearly-2500-new-jobs
Mont. State Auditor James Brown Joins Land Board Colleagues in Approving More Than $2.4 Million in New Revenue for Montana Schools at September Meeting
HELENA, Montana, Sept. 22 -- Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown issued the following news release:
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State Auditor James Brown Joins Land Board Colleagues in Approving More Than $2.4 Million in New Revenue for Montana Schools at September Meeting
September 21, 2026
HELENA, Mont. -- Montana State Auditor James Brown joined his Land Board colleagues in approving more than $2.4 million in new revenue for schools across the Treasure State at the group's September meeting.
The Montana Constitution entrusts Auditor Brown and other Land Board members with serving as
... Show Full Article
HELENA, Montana, Sept. 22 -- Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown issued the following news release:
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State Auditor James Brown Joins Land Board Colleagues in Approving More Than $2.4 Million in New Revenue for Montana Schools at September Meeting
September 21, 2026
HELENA, Mont. -- Montana State Auditor James Brown joined his Land Board colleagues in approving more than $2.4 million in new revenue for schools across the Treasure State at the group's September meeting.
The Montana Constitution entrusts Auditor Brown and other Land Board members with serving asstewards of the state's trust lands, which are managed for the benefit of Montana's educational institutions and other trust beneficiaries.
"Our state trust lands are a critical funding tool for Montana schools," Auditor Brown said. "I'm proud to serve on the Land Board and bring in millions of dollars for education by responsibly managing the lands entrusted to us."
The Land Board approved an estimated $2,407,602 in new revenue at their September meeting, including:
* $245,013 from timber sales;
* $2,160,024 from an oil and gas lease sale;
* $2,565 from easements.
The Land Board, which consists of the top five statewide elected officials, manages millions of acres of state trust lands. The board ensures financial returns for trust beneficiaries and responsible land stewardship for future generations of Montanans.
For more information about the Land Board, visit csimt.gov/land-board.
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Original text here: https://csimt.gov/2026/09/21/state-auditor-james-brown-joins-land-board-colleagues-in-approving-more-than-2-4-million-in-new-revenue-for-montana-schools-at-september-meeting/
Minn. Agriculture Dept.: Emerald Ash Borer Found in Lincoln and Pipestone Counties
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Sept. 22 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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Emerald Ash Borer Found in Lincoln and Pipestone Counties
Emergency quarantine on wood movement put in place for both counties
September 21, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) in Lincoln and Pipestone counties for the first time. There are now 62 counties in the state with EAB.
A property manager in Lincoln County found EAB at a campground on the northeast side of Lake Benton. A resident in Pipestone County noticed an EAB infested
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Sept. 22 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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Emerald Ash Borer Found in Lincoln and Pipestone Counties
Emergency quarantine on wood movement put in place for both counties
September 21, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) in Lincoln and Pipestone counties for the first time. There are now 62 counties in the state with EAB.
A property manager in Lincoln County found EAB at a campground on the northeast side of Lake Benton. A resident in Pipestone County noticed an EAB infestedash tree in the city of Jasper's yard waste site. Experts with the MDA were able to confirm the presence of EAB in both cases.
EAB was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009. The insect larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. Often, the trees show several signs of infestation because of this. Woodpeckers like to feed on EAB larvae, and woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of emerald ash borer. Also, EAB tunneling can cause the bark to split open, revealing characteristic S-shaped galleries underneath.
Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Lincoln and Pipestone counties, the MDA is enacting an emergency quarantine of both counties. The quarantine limits the movement of firewood and ash material out of the areas.
The MDA issues quarantines for all areas known to have EAB to reduce the risk of further spreading the tree-killing insect.
A virtual informational meeting for residents and tree care professionals in Lincoln and Pipestone counties will be held with experts from the MDA. Staff will give a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.
Emerald Ash Borer Virtual Informational Meeting:
Wednesday, September 30
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Register on the MDA website (https://www.mda.state.mn.us/emerald-ash-borer-quarantine)
The public will also have an opportunity to provide input on the proposal to add Lincoln and Pipestone counties' emergency quarantines to the state's formal quarantine. The MDA is taking comments on the proposed formal quarantines now through November 6 and recommends adopting the quarantine on November 9. The proposed quarantine language can be found on the MDA website (https://www.mda.state.mn.us/emerald-ash-borer-quarantine).
Comments can be made during the virtual meeting or by contacting:
Mark Abrahamson
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155
Mark.Abrahamson@state.mn.us
There is more EAB information on the MDA website (https://www.mda.state.mn.us/eab).
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Original text here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/emerald-ash-borer-found-lincoln-pipestone-counties
Gov. Newsom: What They are Saying - Strong Support for California's New Laws to Expand EV Access, Consumer Choice, and Cut Dependence on Oil
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 22 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Sep 21, 2026
What they are saying: Strong support for California's new laws to expand EV access, consumer choice, and cut dependence on oil
SACRAMENTO -- California leaders, consumer advocates, clean-air organizations, and electric-transportation stakeholders are praising Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of a package of legislation that will accelerate California's transition to affordable, reliable clean transportation -- streamlining the deployment of electric-vehicle chargers, expanding
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SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 22 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Sep 21, 2026
What they are saying: Strong support for California's new laws to expand EV access, consumer choice, and cut dependence on oil
SACRAMENTO -- California leaders, consumer advocates, clean-air organizations, and electric-transportation stakeholders are praising Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of a package of legislation that will accelerate California's transition to affordable, reliable clean transportation -- streamlining the deployment of electric-vehicle chargers, expandingconsumer choice, and helping Californians access the clean cars and trucks that free families and businesses from dependence on oil.
The Governor signed SB 969 (Reyes), SB 1283 (Ashby), AB 1820 (Schiavo), SB 1213 (Reyes), SB 1267 (Allen), and SB 615 (Allen). Together, the new laws cut red tape to expedite charger deployment, support charging access where Californians live, strengthen transparency of incentives for zero-emission trucks, and help more Californians confidently choose electric transportation.
Legislative leaders
* Senate Majority Leader Angelique Ashby, author of SB 1283: "California continues to lead the nation in advancing clean energy and transportation technology. Today, the Governor signed SB 1283 into law in furtherance of California's commitment to renewable energies and the highest of environmental standards. This bill allows critical electric vehicle infrastructure to reach even the most rural of locations throughout the great golden state by streamlining and prioritizing renewable energy storage components for charging stations, like solar canopies, and on-site battery storage. Thank you to the Governor for his continued commitment to protecting our environment and leading the effort to support renewable energy in California."
* Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes, author of SB 969 and SB 1213: "We have to make clean transportation pricing and infrastructure work well in order for people and businesses to buy into our vision for clean communities," said Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-Colton). "SB 969 and SB 1213 bring greater transparency and accountability to ensure drivers get what they pay for at the charger, businesses have greater clarity about clean truck pricing, and taxpayers receive the highest value and impact possible for their investments. These bills provide practical steps that will help California make the most of our public investments, reduce barriers to adoption, and build the reliable, affordable clean transportation system our communities deserve. I am grateful to Governor Newsom for signing both bills into law."
* Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, author of AB 1820: "As gas prices surge and electric vehicles need to be an even more accessible alternative, the government should not be adding unnecessary costs to building out our charger network. The Electric Vehicle Charger Affordability Act (AB 1820) makes sure unnecessary fees aren't added to the cost of charger permits for apartment buildings where we need affordable options the most, so more people benefit from the savings an EV can provide."
* Senator Ben Allen, author of SB 1267 and SB 615: "California's expanding EV market requires us to be more proactive to support the infrastructure systems that will be most impacted. Setting this framework today will better enable us to handle the growth of an industry critical to our climate ambitions. I appreciate the Governor's support of these important policies that align with our collective goals."
Clean transportation leaders
* Matthew Chen, External Affairs Manager, North America, ABB E-mobility Inc. and Electric Vehicle Charging Association Chair:" Meeting California's clean transportation goals means building more than 400 new chargers a day, every day, through 2030. In a difficult budget year, as federal support retreats, the Governor and the Legislature delivered a package of bills that address permitting delays and cut unnecessary costs to accelerate EV charger build-out. The Electric Vehicle Charging Association (EVCA) appreciates this leadership and the willingness to advance practical solutions that do not depend on new spending. From charging infrastructure to the vehicles themselves, California is backing every part of the clean transportation transition, and industry is ready to deliver the affordable, reliable charging Californians expect."
* Laura Renger, Executive Director, California Electric Transportation Coalition: "Thank you, Governor Newsom, for signing SB 1213 and SB 1283 today. These bills are good news for California's electric-transportation future, bringing greater transparency to zero-emission incentives for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles while making it easier to build the charging infrastructure Californians need. CalETC applauds the Governor and bill authors for clearing unnecessary barriers and keeping California moving forward."
* Bill Mcgavern, Policy Director, Coalition for Clean Air: "Electrifying transportation is an essential tool for cleaning up California's air, fighting catastrophic climate change, and creating quality jobs. These new laws will help build the infrastructure to enable all Californians -- including residents of multi-family housing -- to benefit from clean electric mobility. In addition, price transparency requirements will help build a more affordable market for the zero-emission trucks we need to reduce the toxic diesel exhaust poisoning our communities."
* Guillermo Ortiz, Senior Clean Vehicle Advocate, Natural Resources Defense Council: "The transition to clean vehicles is a smart business move, not a financial burden. By bringing transparency to the marketplace and enhancing our voucher programs, this bipartisan legislation will drive down costs, protect our small businesses from fuel price volatility, expedite EV charging and ensure California remains a leader in both environmental and economic innovation."
* Daniel Barrad, Western States Associate Director, Union of Concerned Scientists: "As the Trump administration rolls back life-saving policies and raises costs, California's progress on zero emission transportation is more important than ever. We applaud the legislature and governor for enacting laws that will advance clean, affordable and sustainable transportation. From increasing charging access to laying the groundwork for battery recycling, these laws show the world that a safe, clean and reliable transportation future is possible."
* Gracyna Mohabir, Sr. Regulatory Advocate, California Environmental Voters: "Transportation is California's largest source of pollution and a major contributor to the state's poor air quality. At a time when the federal government is systematically dismantling our clean air and health protections, this is an important step toward building a cleaner freight future. "We need practical solutions that make it easier to choose zero-emissions vehicles and create a freight system that doesn't come at the expense of Californians' health and clean air, and SB 1213 is exactly that."
* Jakob Evans, Senior Policy Strategist, Sierra Club California: "Signing this package of bills shows that California is stepping up to lead on clean air at a time when the federal government has undermined the electric vehicle market and attacked our state's regulatory autonomy. Bills like SB 1213 will ensure that California is able to take more effective action to accelerate deployment of zero-emission trucks and address our largest sector of pollution. Sierra Club California will continue to work closely with state leaders to fight for California's air quality and public health."
California's clean transportation leadership
The legislation signed today builds on the Governor's MyFirstEV program, which is helping first-time zero-emission vehicle buyers access immediate savings on their first electric vehicle purchase. Through MyFirstEV, eligible Californians can receive an instant rebate of up to $3,500 toward a qualifying new zero-emission vehicle or up to $1,750 toward a qualifying used vehicle.
California's $600 million investment in an affordable clean-vehicle future includes programs that help income-qualified residents replace older, higher-polluting cars; support fleets in purchasing cleaner trucks and buses; and replace high-polluting engines and equipment.
The Golden State has more than 216,445 public and shared charging plugs statewide, including more than 20,000 DC fast-charging ports. Chargers are being installed at places Californians already go, including workplaces, multifamily housing, retail centers, park-and-ride lots, medical offices, and travel corridors.
The California Energy Commission allocated $98.5 million in light-duty ZEV infrastructure funding for fiscal year 2025-26, emphasizing Level 1 and Level 2 chargers in locations where cars are parked for longer periods, including homes and multifamily residences.
California is one of the top states for EV buyers and drivers. California has surpassed its original goal of 1.5 million zero-emission vehicle sales by 2025, reaching more than 2.7 million cumulative ZEV sales. In the second quarter of 2026, Californians purchased 86,857 new ZEVs, representing 19.1% of all new vehicle sales in the state.
Governor Newsom's Build More, Faster -- For All infrastructure agenda has driven historic investments in transportation that will benefit all Californians for decades to come. More than 29,000 California infrastructure projects are tracked at build.ca.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/21/what-they-are-saying-strong-support-for-californias-new-laws-to-expand-ev-access-consumer-choice-and-cut-dependence-on-oil/
