Collins, King Announce More Than $2.8 Million for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
The funding for Maine was allocated through the bipartisan infrastructure law co-sponsored by both Senators
Senator Collins was a member of the core group of 10 Senators who negotiated the infrastructure package
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) announced that Maine will receive a total of $2,856,158 through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program to support the state’s efforts to expand the network of electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
This funding was authorized through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Senator Collins, the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, was part of the core group of 10 Senators who negotiated the text of the bipartisan infrastructure law.
“Electric vehicles provide many benefits, including a smaller carbon footprint, but the lack of available charging stations in a large, rural state like Maine has been a barrier to their adoption,” said Senator Collins. “This investment in Maine’s charging network will continue the momentum toward cleaner transportation and help reduce harmful transportation emissions, which produce more than half of Maine’s carbon pollution and threaten our public health, natural resources, and economy.”
“With transportation producing more carbon dioxide than any other sector of the U.S. economy, electric vehicles offer a promising opportunity to cut emissions, improve air quality, and help consumers save on fuel costs,“ said Senator King. “The opportunity is right in front of us – but in order for electric vehicles to meet their potential we need strong, widely available charging infrastructure, especially in a rural, spread-out state like Maine. This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill will help put more charging stations in our communities and allow more Maine people to seriously consider the possibility of making their next car an electric vehicle. As carmakers do their part and start making more electric cars and trucks, I’m pleased to see this significant investment in Maine’s infrastructure needs to support that transition, and look forward to this legislation’s continued support for Maine communities and our air quality.”
The bipartisan infrastructure law includes a total of up to $7.5 billion in dedicated funding to help make EV chargers available to all Americans for local to long-distance trips. These historic investments are part of an initiative to build a national network of 500,000 EV chargers by 2030 and ensure a convenient, reliable, and affordable charging experience for all users.
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