Leaders test drove electric vehicles and emphasized the growing importance of green infrastructure
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Anthony G. Brown (both D-Md.), local leaders, car dealers and climate activists highlighted historic investments in electric vehicles and green infrastructure in upcoming legislation during a community event at the New Carrollton Branch Library.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act invests $7.5 billion for EV charging infrastructure, prioritizing low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and building a national EV charging network. Congressional Democrats also plan to increase the electric vehicle tax credit from the standard $7,500 to $12,500 for vehicles assembled in the United States.
“The Biden Build Back Better agenda, part of which passed the Senate this summer on a bipartisan basis, calls for a generational investment in our nation’s infrastructure, with a goal of reducing our carbon emissions and increasing resiliency,” said Senator Cardin, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “We have to deal with the reality of climate change and do what’s right for America, and the world. The transportation policies in the bipartisan infrastructure bill will support the transition to zero-emission, electric vehicles by building the infrastructure that makes these cars practical. I’m excited by the potential of this effort to improve the quality of life, reduce pollution, protect our national security through energy independence, and create jobs here in America.”
“Congress is preparing historic investments to transform our nation’s infrastructure, increase opportunity, advance equity and tackle the pressing threat climate change poses to the world,” said Congressman Brown, a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “With challenges this big, we need bold action and commitment at every level. It calls on the federal government to make historic investments in clean, green infrastructure and lead the way. It calls on state and local leaders to keep sustainability and climate at the top of the agenda. And it calls on us as individuals and citizens to take action in our lives. Take the pledge to buy an electric car, I did”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act also marks the largest investment in public transit in history and includes funding to replace thousands of transit vehicles, including buses, with clean, zero-emission vehicles. The legislation will also deliver thousands of electric school buses nationwide, including in rural and underserved communities.
As part of the Build Back Better Plan Congress plans to transition Postal Service and other government vehicles to electric, encourage utilities to switch to renewable energy resources, invests in the creation of a Civilian Climate Corps and creates a “clean energy accelerator” for the technology of the future.
“We are grateful to Rep. Brown and Sen. Cardin for their leadership and commitment to accelerating our country’s transition to a cleaner, more equitable transportation future. This event illustrated how the future of driving is already here. With many models already available, Americans can switch to an EV now to start saving on costs and cut their carbon emissions—all while having a more fun driving experience,” said Wendy Philleo, Executive Director of clean energy nonprofit Generation180, who helped organize the event.
###
