Full Title: No Double-Dipping Here: EV Charging Programs in Reconciliation are Uniquely Essential
Author(s): Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, Alexander Laska
Publisher(s): Third Way
Publication Date: October 1, 2021
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
Programs to help deploy EV charging infrastructure are featured in both the bipartisan infrastructure deal (the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, IIJA) and the reconciliation package proposed by the House (the Build Back Better Act, BBBA). However, there is no “double-dipping” between these two policy vehicles. The programs in BBBA fill distinct needs from those in IIJA, and all are essential if we’re going to build out EV charging infrastructure quickly and equitably so that we can meet our climate goals and ensure everyone can charge up their car wherever they need to—all while creating jobs in manufacturing, installation, and operations & maintenance.
The IIJA and BBBA programs are designed to do different things. IIJA will help us jumpstart public-private partnerships to map out where alternative fueling corridors will have the greatest benefit at a national scale and to build out a “charging highway” system across the country using the combined expertise of federal and state governments. The BBBA programs, on the other hand, provide funding to build out charging infrastructure within our communities—including cities, rural areas, and disadvantaged communities. State and local entities—public and private—are best positioned to determine where the “hot spots” for charging will be within their communities and can use this funding to address residential, commercial, and workplace charging needs.