U.S. House to Take Up Infrastructure Bill
NACS issues call to action to support Larsen amendments on EV charging as bipartisan deal is forged on Biden plan.
Jun 28, 2021 | 2 min read
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—This week, the House is set to begin floor action on H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act, as the White House last week announced a bipartisan Senate deal on President Biden’s nearly $1 trillion infrastructure package. The agreement reportedly includes $579 billion in new spending, including $15 billion for electric vehicle infrastructure and electric buses and transit, CNBC reports.
Proposals to pay for the plan don’t include an increase in the federal tax on gasoline, user fees for electric vehicles or a corporate tax rate increase.
Leveling the playing field when it comes to EV infrastructure and providing EV charging services is critical for the convenience and fuel retailing industry.
NACS is asking retailers to reach out to their member of Congress and ask that they support Larsen Amendments No. 70 and No. 71 to the INVEST in America Act.
As it currently stands, the bill includes provisions that allow EV charging stations to be placed at rest areas on interstates, which would reduce EV charging options for consumers. Commercial services at rest areas have been shown to create monopolies and reduce private investment at interstate exits, which ultimately means higher prices and fewer commercial services for consumers.
The Larsen Amendments (offered by Reps. Rick Larsen, Lou Correa, Mike Gallagher, and Randy Feenstra) would allow EV charging options at park-and-ride facilities, while continuing to protect off-highway businesses and communities. The amendments direct Congress to study the effects this policy would have before taking a step that would set back efforts by the private sector to build this infrastructure.
Take 30 seconds today to reach out to your legislators here to ask them to cosponsor Larsen Amendments No. 70 and No. 71 and to support private investment in EV charging infrastructure.
