Mike Quigley: “This grant program will provide critical resources toward making community charging stations for electric vehicles…”

“This grant program will provide critical resources toward making community charging stations for electric vehicles available and accessible. Oh, by the way, it will make EVs more popular. By increasing EV charging stations in communities across the country, we are modernizing our infrastructure, working toward our emission reduction goals, and creating good jobs in the process. Ensuring that charging stations are visible and accessible in our communities addresses concerns many drivers have when considering making the switch to electric. By prioritizing funding to projects in rural communities and low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, this program will help blue and red States. We have heard from State departments of transportation and private partners, like gas stations, who want this funding to build their customer base to bring consumers into their convenience shops. This is a Federal investment in partnership with industry. Additionally, this Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program is an authorized program, funded through the Highway Trust Fund. Authorizers, on a bipartisan basis, have authorized funding to be used for these purposes. This funding is wanted and is another important step in the Nation's efforts to battle climate change, meet emission reductions goals, and meet the automobile industry where they are at. Mr. Chairman, I strongly oppose this amendment. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.”