WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last month, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), introduced legislation to encourage and broaden access to fuel-efficient vehicles, helping to move our transportation system toward a future with lower harmful emissions, better air quality, stronger energy security and more consumer fuel choice.

The Clean Corridors Act of 2019 would secure $300 million in funding each year over 10 years to support the installation of electric vehicle charging and hydrogen fueling stations across the National Highway System, including in rural areas that may not currently have fueling stations.

A broad coalition of stakeholders supports this measure—here’s what they’re saying:


Manufacturers

 

  • “The future of transportation is electric but getting there will require charging infrastructure along the most frequently travelled highways. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association applauds Senator Carper's leadership in introducing the Clean Corridors Act, a bill that would allow states and communities to compete for grants to deploy electric vehicle supply equipment along those very routes most in need. The 19th century brought us electric light, and the 20th century connected the entire country to the grid and made electricity an essential part of our lives. But the 21st century will be defined by network-enabled electrical devices and the electrification of transportation, buildings, industry, and more. We thank Senator Carper for his leadership on electrifying the U.S. transportation sector and moving us towards a more electrified, connected, and modern society.” Kevin Cosgriff, President and CEO of National Electrical Manufacturers Association


Environmental Advocacy Groups

  • “If we are going to meet our climate goals, we need to accelerate the transformation of the transportation sector. Surveys show that Americans are increasingly excited to drive electric vehicles, powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, but they can’t without the supporting infrastructure. This legislation is a targeted, common-sense approach to eliminating this critical roadblock while investing in the American autoworker and creating middle-class jobs.” Bob Perciasepe, President of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)

 

Organized Labor

  • “In introducing the Clean Corridors Act of 2019, Senator Carper shows that he is serious about modernizing America’s infrastructure. By making real investments in charging infrastructure for electric- and hydrogen-powered vehicles, this bill will ensure that America leads the way in the production and adoption of zero emission vehicles, all while creating good jobs in the transportation sector.” Larry I. Willis, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO

 

Transportation Groups and Automotive Industry

 

  • “Our nation’s goods movement infrastructure must keep pace with the demands of industry. I commend Senator Carper for developing a proposal that seeks to modernize the highway network to meet the needs of the 21st Century through his Alternative Fuel Corridors Act. Without national deployment of alternative fueling stations, alternative fuel trucks will be forced to geographically limit operations, stunting the unfettered movement of goods as well as the deployment of innovative technologies. Exporters, importers, and domestic producers demand a national network that works seamlessly, safely, efficiently and reliably to move goods from consumer to market – and to all the stops in between. Senator Carper’s proposal stands to move highway freight infrastructure forward, allowing fleets to modernize without sacrificing efficiency and reliability.” Elaine Nessle, Executive Director of the Coalition for America’s Gateways & Trade Corridors
  • “With his introduction of the Clean Corridors Act of 2019, Senator Carper is making a valuable and important contribution to the development of sustainable markets and the necessary infrastructure for electric vehicles.  The grant program for alternative fuel corridors complements the massive investments of automakers in plug-in and fuel cell electric vehicles by spurring and expanding essential recharging and refueling capabilities.  Senator Carper deserves credit for his thoughtful approach, and we look forward to working with him on efforts to improve and modernize our nation’s infrastructure.” Global Automakers
  • “State departments of transportation are not only owners and operators of key transportation assets, but also conscientious and responsible stewards of the natural and built environment. By making alternative fuel much more accessible for zero emission vehicles than it is today, Sen Carper’s leadership through this bill will help to modernize transportation infrastructure by reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality.” American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
  • “Currently, ownership and use of electric and hydrogen vehicles is limited by the lack of availability of charging infrastructure, particularly along the long-distance routes of the National Highway System. The National Highway System carries the overwhelming majority of long-distance travel.  For that reason, the American Highway Users Alliance endorses the Clean Corridors Act, which would authorize funding for electric charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure on these routes.” Greg Cohen, President & CEO of the American Highway Users Alliance

 

Utility Companies

  • “Public power utilities are uniquely situated to facilitate the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the communities they serve. APPA supports Senator Carper’s Clean Corridors Act of 2019 because it would promote the build-out of EV infrastructure needed to support electrification of the transportation sector.” Desmarie Waterhouse, Vice President of Government Relations & Counsel of the American Public Power Association
  • “EEI applauds Senator Carper for his leadership in introducing the Clean Corridors Act. This important bill would expand the use of electric transportation by bolstering the deployment of EV infrastructure. Electric transportation is key to the clean energy transformation. EEI’s member companies are already making significant investments in clean energy and in clean transportation infrastructure, and the Clean Corridors Act will support those efforts in the years ahead. As the operators of the energy grid, electric companies play an important role in developing charging infrastructure and expanding access to electric transportation for our customers and the communities we serve.” Tom Kuhn, President of the Edison Electric Institute

As momentum builds both in Congress and in communities across the country in support of major infrastructure investment, Senator Carper will continue to support and pursue ideas – like the Clean Corridors Act – that are a win-win for our environment and economy, and can help in transforming our nation’s decaying transportation system into one that tackles climate change, harnesses innovative technologies and supports American jobs.

Read more about S. 674 - the Clean Corridors Act of 2019 here.

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