Electric vehicle legislation passed by Pa. House

Listen to this article

Legislation to create additional electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Pennsylvania was passed recently by the House. 

Sponsored by Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, the additional charging stations will come at no cost to Pennsylvania taxpayers. 

House Bill 1474 would add electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects as an eligible project type under Pennsylvania’s Property-Assessed Clean Energy program (C-PACE). Created by Act 30 of 2018, C-PACE has facilitated over $250 million in investments in energy efficiency, clean energy, conservation, and other projects by connecting property owners with long-term financing. 

According to Ciresi, the investments are funded entirely through private capital, so as not to impose financial burden on the state or local governments. 

“My House Bill 1474 would help develop Pennsylvania’s EV charging infrastructure at no cost to the taxpayer at a time when electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent on our roads and highways,” Ciresi said in a statement. “This legislation would unlock financing to install charging stations throughout the commonwealth—from places of employment, restaurants, apartments, hotels, shopping centers to tourist attractions.

“More charging stations makes it easier for everyone to operate these energy-efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles in Pennsylvania, whether you’re a resident running errands or business traveler or tourist visiting our state.”

Ciresi added that HB 1474 has been amended to include “Made in America” provisions for EV charging infrastructure funded under this program, which could provide the impetus for the development of an EV charging system development industry in the US.

“Electric vehicles will be a big part of the future of automobiles in this country,” Ciresi said. “Right now, Pennsylvania is lagging behind its neighbors in this arena, but we have a unique opportunity with this legislation to be at the forefront of this new frontier, attract new business opportunities in emerging technologies, and make Pennsylvania accessible and open for tourism. All of this means family-sustaining jobs and supports a thriving economy.”

Pennsylvania is 9th in the number of electric charging station locations in the country at 1,583. California leads the nation with 15,319.

HB 1474 has been sent to the state Senate for consideration.