Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
Washington, DC - Today, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy proposed nationwide guidelines for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that will be funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The guidelines aim to provide standardization for EV charging stations across the country, help EV drivers build confidence for traveling long distances, and ultimately accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
The Biden administration published a fact sheet that outlines the proposed minimum standards and a series of announcements from partner federal agencies such as the National Park Service, which is focused on installing EV chargers in the parks, and the US Department of Agriculture, which is supporting the installation of chargers in rural areas.
The administration will soon announce an advisory committee consisting of government leads, stakeholders, and major utility groups.
Hieu Le, Senior Campaign Representative for Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All Campaign, released the following statement:
“Many electric vehicle drivers view taking road trips or going to new destinations as a rite of passage. Public charging stations can be difficult to find, their availability and functionality can be uncertain, and the cost of charging can be a mystery. Now, companies will be required to address these issues and ensure the EV charging experience is reliable and convenient.
“The public health and climate crises that we face, and soaring gas prices, requires that we urgently transition from gas vehicles to electric vehicles. We must ensure that the broad charging infrastructure network is built in a way that is equitable, accessible, and safe and advances family-sustaining careers in the U.S.
“While we are seeing EV adoption increase at a historic pace over the past year, the number of EVs on the road is incremental. Most manufacturers continue to invest, manufacture, and publicize their gas cars. We demand that manufacturers prioritize EVs over gas cars – and the Biden administration's dedicated investment in EV charging and commitment to high quality standards will help to spur the consumer demand needed to turn the tide.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.