House passes Ciresi bill to expand EV charging infrastructure
Rep. Joseph Ciresi October 30, 2023 | 4:17 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi’s, D-Montgomery, legislation that would help create more EV charging stations throughout Pennsylvania at no cost to the Pennsylvania taxpayer passed the House today.
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). C-PACE, which was created by Act 30 of 2018, has facilitated over $250 million in investments in energy efficiency, clean energy, conservation, and other projects by connecting property owners with long-term financing. The investments are funded entirely through private capital, so it would not impose any financial burden on the commonwealth or local governments, according to Ciresi.
“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. “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.”
The bill has been amended to include “Made in America” provisions for EV charging infrastructure funded under this program, Ciresi said, 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.”
The legislation has been sent to the Senate for consideration.