With the widespread adoption for electric vehicles across the U.S., there are still many difficulties for remote areas with limited energy resources and infrastructure. These areas are hard to reach when building out a national network of electric vehicle charging stations, and the majority of electric vehicles on the market today are sedans and small SUVs, not trucks and tractors that are used more commonly in rural areas and on farms.
The U.S House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing last week entitled “Implications of electric vehicle investments for agriculture and rural America" where members spoke about the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in November, and the $7.5 billion included in the legislation for a national network of electric vehicle charging stations.
The legislation prioritizes funds for electric vehicle charging stations in low-income and rural areas. President Biden emphasized the importance of supporting low-income and rural communities by including them in this new wave of vehicle technology and electrification.
Following the hearing, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Rep. Tom Rice (R-SC) introduced bipartisan legislation intended to help rural communities and farms take advantage of new electric vehicle technology by expanding USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to include electric vehicle supply equipment. Currently, REAP can’t be used for EV charging infrastructure.
Also, last week, President Biden made virtual remarks at the American Farm Bureau Conference, speaking in support of independent repair shops. In July, President Biden signed the Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, which encouraged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to “limit powerful equipment manufacturers from restricting people’s ability to use independent repair shops or do DIY repairs.” President Biden reiterated his support in his speech on Monday, stating that family farmers and ranchers deserve the right to repair the equipment they own, either themselves or at an independent shop.
To watch a recording of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Hearing, click here.
To watch President Biden’s remarks at the American Farm Bureau Conference, click here.
