What happened at NAFA's DC fly-in? 

NAFA’s Fleet Management Association descended on America’s capital last week for a two-day fly-in collaboration on policy briefings, Hill meetings, and engagement with lawmakers.

The DC event featured a meeting with the US House and Senate offices on June 9–10. The group of 15 fleet managers also met with Congress and coalition partners to discuss fleet-related policy topics.

The delegation, representing both public and private sector fleets and industry suppliers, discussed critical issues like sustainable operations, data access, commercial EV adoption, and theft prevention.

Congress met with NAFA members in 30 meetings with discussions on fleet operations and legislative effects.

Notable discussions included Senator Ted Cruz (TX), Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Senators Ted Budd (NC) and Marsha Blackburn (TN) who are also on this Committee. In addition, Senator John Fetterman (PA), who sits on the Aviation, Space and Innovation Subcommittee and Senator John Cornyn from (TX). Lastly, Representative Mike Bost (IL), who sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. 

The PART Act is meant to combat catalytic converter theft, and each office showed their support. While multiple congressional offices indicated that they were unaware of data ownership policy impact, NAFA members helped to provide insight into those operations. 

While a variety of topics were discussed over the two days, the following were most prominent:

• The future of commercial EV incentives, including the 45W and 30D tax credits

• Preservation of NEVI and 30C programs to support fueling infrastructure

• Data access and opposition to the REPAIR Act

• EV policy developments at both federal and state levels, including implications of recent Clean

• Air Act waiver changes in California

• Impacts of shifting regulatory requirements on EV manufacturing, availability, and total cost of ownership

NAFA members were also joined by HillStaffter partners to help moderate conversations and focus on local impacts.

The event acted as a way for members to provide input on legislation as well as a more thorough understanding of federal policymaking.

Michael Parr, Senior Advisor at HillStaffer, commented on fly-in success and the right to repair.

“Across a diverse set of meetings, we advanced policy makers’ understanding of fleets and the critical role they play in their communities and the economy. We got a lot of interest in issues such as data access, including the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act that helps ensure fleets have unimpeded access to the data their vehicles generate and the PART Act that will help to deter catalytic converter theft.”
Maria Neve, NAFA president and VP, eFMC services for Inspiration Mobility, commented on nation-wide effects and the following fleet facts: 

• 1 in every 5 vehicles sold in the U.S is purchased by fleet

• Fleet vehicles are 25% of all vehicles

• Fleets contribute $800 billion to the economy

• Fleets move $10 trillion in goods every year

“That’s why our federal advocacy work is vital,” said Neve. “Congressional staff are hard at work writing the laws that shape the future of transportation — and it’s critical they hear from the trusted experts who actually manage these vehicles. That’s us.”

William McCarty, Chief Financial Officer at IBHE, found representation useful, especially surrounding discussions of fleet, the economy, and electric vehicles. “We were able to convey the importance of not only the EV-related credits for the nascent medium and heavy-duty EV trucking ecosystem, but also other items of critical importance to fleets across the country.”

NAFA acts as a resource and thought leader for the fleet industry. For more information about NAFA and its membership, please visit nafa.org.