Statement: Biden administration’s new electric vehicle charging action plan a key step toward a zero-carbon transportation future

Action steps outlined will create a national network of EV charging stations with funding from recently passed infrastructure bill

Environment America

WASHINGTON – The Biden administration released the federal government’s plan on Monday for developing a national electric vehicle (EV) charging network. The recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocates $7.5 billion to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This action plan outlines how federal agencies will ensure that the bill’s investment creates a national network of 500,000 EV chargers that is convenient, accessible and reliable for communities all across the country. 

The roadmap revealed a number of new federal agency initiatives, including the establishment of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, a collaborative office between the Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy with a specific focus of supporting EV charging efforts. The agencies will also release charging guidance resources for city and state governments by Feb. 11, 2022. 

Environment America and PIRG have been calling for a coordinated national EV charging network in order to reduce transportation pollution and fight the climate crisis. 

In response, experts from Environment America and PIRG issued the following statements:

“The Biden administration’s EV charging action plan brings us another step closer to a much-needed national charging network. Transportation is currently the number one source of global warming emissions in the United States, with vehicle pollution fueling the climate crisis everyday. It’s critical that we drastically reduce our pollution to protect our planet,” said Environment America Global Warming Solutions Associate Simon Horowitz. “Convenient and easy access to charging is one of the biggest barriers for many Americans considering an electric car. We need a robust national charging network in place and today’s announcement outlines the key steps being taken to make that a reality.”

“Building a national network of EV charging stations puts the United States on the road to success with the transition to electric vehicles. Giving Americans the right infrastructure to reduce air pollution and tackle the climate crisis by switching to zero-emission vehicles is crucial,” said PIRG Transportation Associate Mac Dressman. “Tragically, pollution from cars, trucks and other vehicles cuts short an estimated 58,000 lives every year. This step toward an all-electric, zero-emission future is essential to ensure cleaner air for all.”