Republican Legislators Demand Answers on National EV Infrastructure Program

Republican representatives, Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and Morgan Griffith (R-VA), have raised concerns regarding the implementation of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. They have addressed their queries to the U.S. Departments of Energy and Transportation, seeking clarification on the NEVI program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant program.

Slow Progress in EV Infrastructure Buildout

Despite the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and subsequent award announcements, progress in the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure has been slow. The Department of Energy and Department of Transportation recently announced the opening of the first EV fast charging stations funded through the NEVI Formula Program in Ohio and New York. However, this announcement, which includes just eight charging stations, comes more than two years after the passage of the IIJA.

Seeking Answers on Construction Plans and State Reviews

In their letter to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the Congress members have requested information on how many EV chargers are expected to be constructed in 2024 using NEVI and CFI program funds. Additionally, they want to know how the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation is updating its review of state plans to address the deployment of private sector EV chargers. The legislators are also seeking clarification on the implementation of EV chargers in disadvantaged communities.

Maximizing Charging Stations Usage and Accountability

The Congress members are interested in understanding how the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation plans to ensure that awarded charging stations receive maximized usage. With the understanding that EVs can be cost-prohibitive, expensive to maintain, and have high insurance costs, the legislators want reassurance that the charging stations will benefit the intended communities. They have also requested an accounting of the number of employees in the Joint Office of Transportation and Energy, its budget, and how it plans to adhere to the Buy America requirements within the IIJA.

The Secretaries of Energy and Transportation have until March 7 to provide responses to these queries.

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