CHARGE Forward for Green Energy: Doggett Bill Drives Investment in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), a senior Member of the Ways and Means Committee and a longtime member of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) and the Safe Climate Caucus, introduced the Electric Vehicle Charging Helps Access to Renewable Green Energy (CHARGE) Act of 2019, which would provide enhanced incentives for publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure. He was joined by Rep. Suzan DelBene.

"Americans need to charge ahead on the road to green energy, not get run over or left on the side of the road," said Rep. Doggett. "Let's create the roadmap for investment in public, accessible, electric vehicle charging, so that going green is as sensible and convenient a choice for households as it is productive for the planet. The Electric Vehicle CHARGE Act would deliver a major boost to electric vehicle charging infrastructure for all to use."

Transportation accounts for more greenhouse gas pollution than any other sector of the United States economy. With more Americans choosing to drive electric vehicles--and so many more families who could make the switch to electric vehicles--it is critical to have enough charging infrastructure to support them and to make going electric a practical household choice. One study found that, for the United States to meet its transportation sector target set out by the Paris Agreement, it would need 330,000 new public charging stations by the end of 2025.

Drivers considering going electric must be confident that charging their vehicle will be as convenient as filling up at the gas pump. This legislation would provide an expanded incentive for building more public charging stations with payment options, including the ability to pay with a credit or debit card, to ensure accessibility and convenience for all drivers. It would also expand incentives for charging infrastructure available for municipal bus and commercial vehicle fleets.

The Electric Vehicle CHARGE Act would expand the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit for electric vehicle charging infrastructure by allowing a 20 percent credit for expenses above $100,000. To qualify for this uncapped credit, the infrastructure must:

-Be intended for general public use and either accept credit cards as a form of payment or do not charge a fee, or
-Be intended for exclusive use by government or commercial vehicle fleets

This bill extends the credit to property placed in service through 2024.

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