 |
|
7/14/2021
|
Governor signs into law bill calling for a statewide infrastructure plan for electric vehicle charging stations
|
 STATE HOUSE — Governor Daniel McKee has signed into law legislation introduced by Rep. Joseph M. McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston) and Sen. Frank S. Lombardo III (D-Dist. 25, Johnston) that calls for a statewide electric vehicle charging station infrastructure.
The bill (2021-H 5031, 2021-S 0994) would require the Department of Transportation, along with the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Office of Energy Resources, to develop a plan for a statewide electric vehicle charging station infrastructure in order to make those stations more accessible to the public.
“This is important legislation if we’re going to achieve our goal of reducing carbon emissions in the state,” said Representative McNamara. “This plan will go a long way toward encouraging Rhode Islanders to purchase electric vehicles. It’s critical that people who live away from urban areas have access to charging stations. Implementing this plan would make us a leader in New England.”
The deadline for formation of the plan would be Jan. 1, 2022. Representative McNamara also foresees the charging station infrastructure as a boon to Rhode Island’s tourism industry by encouraging travel to the state by those with electric vehicles.
“It’s time for the state to be prepared for the electric vehicle revolution,” said Senator Lombardo. “This legislation will put state agencies in a better position to be ready for the demands that electric vehicles will put on the state’s infrastructure.”
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
|
|