Representative Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Senator Cory Booker (NJ) reintroduced the bicameral EVs for All Act, legislation that would establish an innovative grant program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support electric vehicle car-sharing for public housing residents.
The program would help public housing authorities and local governments invest in electric vehicles (EV), EV charging stations, community education and outreach, and other services and incentives to provide access to EVs for public housing residents.
“A successful clean energy future requires that every resident, regardless of income can take part,” said Barragán. “
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Electric vehicle car share programs can improve the economic mobility and quality of life of residents whose communities face disproportionate air pollution and climate impacts. This model has proven popular at Rancho San Pedro public housing in my district, and I’m excited to reintroduce the EVs for All Act to expand it to every part of the country.”
“If we want a greener and more sustainable future, we must prioritize accessibility and equity,” said Booker.
“By expanding access to EVs for residents of public housing, we can empower low-income communities with clean transportation options and alleviate the burden of high gas prices and pollution. That is why I am proud to join Representative Barragán in introducing this legislation that represents our commitment to environmental justice and ensures everyone has a fair chance to benefit from the transition to electric vehicles.”
The EVs for All Act includes several key provisions to drive the expansion of EV accessibility and infrastructure in low-income communities:
- Development of an EV Car Sharing Program: The U.S. Department of Energy, in coordination with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Transportation, will establish a program that offers grants of up to $1 million to public housing agencies, local governments, or non-profit organizations. These grants will support the implementation of EV car sharing services specifically designed for public housing projects. Additional funding will be available for the installation of direct current fast charging equipment.
- Annual Appropriations: The legislation authorizes annual appropriations of up to $50 million from Fiscal Year 2024 to 2033. This funding will provide numerous communities across the country with the opportunity to expand EV accessibility for low-income residents.
- Comprehensive Support: The EVs for All Act covers various expenses associated with EV adoption, including the cost of purchasing EVs, installing and maintaining charging infrastructure, community education and outreach initiatives, subsidized fares, maintenance and repairs, monitoring and data collection, as well as technical assistance to run the service.
- Job Creation and Workforce Development: The legislation mandates prevailing wage requirements and encourages grant recipients to hire at least 40 percent of local and disadvantaged workers. Workers must also possess an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certificate or a certificate from a registered apprenticeship program for electricians, in line with the Biden Administration’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Standard.
The path to a zero emissions future includes making vehicles and infrastructure more accessible to low-income communities and communities of color, while also addressing community transportation needs. The program proposed by EVs for All will provide hands-on education and outreach to make electric vehicles more familiar and demonstrate how they can effectively and affordably provide reliable transportation solutions for all Americans.
The legislation is supported by Sierra Club, GreenLatinos, California Interfaith Power & Light, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, One San Pedro, Inc., Puente Latino Association, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, BREATHE Southern California, GRID Alternatives, Northern Long Beach Community Act Group, Rewiring America, League of Conservation Voters, Coalition for a Safe Environment, Community Dreams, Environmental Defense Fund, South Coast Air Quality Management District, United of Concerned Scientists, Center for Environmental Health, Electrification Coalition, New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition, Climate + Energy Project, East Bay Community Health, US Green Building Council of Los Angeles, Corporate Ethics International, Project Green Home Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition, National Low Income Housing Coalition, and Watts Clean Air & Energy Committee.
