Rep. Jimmy Panetta Secures Federal Investment in Local EV Charging Infrastructure
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) secured a new federal investment in local initiatives to boost electric vehicle (EV) charging performance, resiliency, and reliability, support clean transportation solutions, and grow the clean energy workforce. Rep. Panetta announced $1.5 million in federal support for the Monterey Bay Electric Vehicle Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Framework (Monterey Bay EV CAR Framework).
The Monterey Bay EV CAR Framework is a collaborative planning effort that will create a roadmap in the Monterey Bay Area to assess current charging infrastructure vulnerability to climate change and implement strategies to ensure the build-out of EV charging infrastructure increases resiliency in the face of climate change.
“We need to rapidly build out our EV charging infrastructure to accelerate our transition to clean transportation options,” said Rep. Panetta. “Through this federal funding we’ll make it easier and attractive to switch to electric vehicles and reduce our carbon emissions. I am proud to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Investment Act having an impact in California’s 19th Congressional District as we build out our infrastructure for cleaner transportation.”
"This Ride and Drive Electric grant award from the US Department of Energy will be critical to helping plan for and deploy a resilient network of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in the Monterey Bay region that adequately serves the needs of all residents, businesses, and visitors.,” said the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments. “AMBAG is deeply honored to receive this funding and looks forward to starting this exciting project"
“President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda is supporting the buildout of an affordable and reliable EV charging infrastructure built by America’s workers,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Today's funding helps drive the nation forward toward an equitable clean transportation future – one that energizes local economies and builds more resilient communities.”
“The Biden-Harris Administration is focused on ensuring that America wins the EV race, capturing good-paying jobs and the benefits of a clean energy manufacturing economy,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “These funds are part of that mission, helping to grow our new automotive economy with EVs and EV chargers that are made in America by American workers.”
Funding secured for the Monterey Bay EV CAR Framework was included as part of a broader $46.5 million for 30 projects in 16 states and Washington, D.C. This funding is made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) which Rep. Panetta helped craft and pass into law. The IIJA includes critical funding to accelerate the electrification of the nation’s transportation sector and spur private-sector investments in clean transportation.
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