U.S. President Joe Biden announces the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day over the next six months from the U.S. Strategic Oil Reserve, as part of the administration’s efforts to reduce gasoline prices, during statements in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. White House in Washington, March 31, 2022.
Kevin Lamarque | Reuters
The Biden administration this week proposed new standards for its program to build a national network of 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2030, the latest move in its effort to accelerate the country’s clean energy transition.
Biden officials said the proposed minimum standards will help lay the groundwork for states to create projects for charging stations accessible to all drivers, regardless of location, brand of electric vehicle or company. load.
Electrifying the transportation sector, one of the largest contributors to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, is critical to mitigating climate change. The administration has promoted electric vehicles as more affordable for Americans than gasoline cars and has set a goal of selling 50% of electric vehicles by 2030.
Earlier this year, the White House introduced a plan to allocate $ 5 billion to states to fund electric vehicle chargers over the next five years. The plan is part of bipartisan infrastructure legislation, which includes $ 7.5 billion to build a national network of electric vehicle charging stations.
“Everyone deserves a chance to benefit from electric vehicles,” Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Wednesday in a call with reporters.
“We are paying attention not only to the quantity of electric vehicle chargers, but also to their quality,” Buttigieg said. “Everyone should be able to find a charging station that works when and where they need it.”
Officials said the standards will ensure a unified network of chargers with similar payment systems, pricing information and charging speeds. The rule requires real-time information about the prices and location of stations so that drivers can better plan their trips. And stations should have a minimum number and type of chargers.
“We are addressing range anxiety and vehicle charging deserts by making sure charging stations are easy and equally accessible, allowing all Americans to go from coast to coast in an electric vehicle,” he said. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement.
The United States is the world’s third largest electric vehicle market behind China and Europe. According to a 2020 Consumer Reports study, electric vehicle drivers spend 60% less each year on fuel costs compared to gasoline car drivers.
The White House has previously proposed an incentive package for electric vehicles to allocate additional money to consumers who bought electric vehicles built by unionized workers. The administration has also pledged to make the transition from its federal fleet of 600,000 cars and trucks to electricity by 2035.
The proposed rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register next week.
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