Lansing, Michigan, May 23, 2024 – Today, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and other local leaders gathered for a press conference to showcase the recent $8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to increase charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. This funding, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), supports the Michigan Capitol Area Regional EV Charging Gateway Initiative, aimed at dramatically expanding electric vehicle infrastructure in the region.
Thanks to the efforts of Senators Stabenow and Peters and President Biden, who helped pass the infrastructure law, Michigan is capitalizing on once-in-a-generation investments in clean energy. This includes over 50 new EV charging stations which are pivotal to the state’s clean energy and transportation goals. These investments underscore the state’s leadership in auto manufacturing and clean energy.
Speakers discussed the economic, consumer, and public health benefits stemming from increased EV adoption and infrastructure enhancement. This initiative is expected to reduce pollution, create jobs, and provide significant consumer savings on maintenance and fuel costs.
Expressing his gratitude for the federal support, Mayor Andy Schor shared his vision for the city’s future. “I am profoundly grateful for the $8 million grant awarded to Lansing through the Michigan Capitol Area Regional EV Charging Gateway Initiative,” said Schor. “This funding will catalyze the establishment of over 50 new EV charging stations, pivotal for our city as it aligns with Lansing’s ongoing efforts to lead in sustainable urban development. With this investment, we’re not only enhancing our infrastructure but also reinforcing Lansing’s role in Michigan’s leadership in the auto industry and clean energy sectors.”
State Representative Julie Brixie (MI-73) emphasized the dual benefits of the initiative for both the environment and infrastructure. “Investing in electric vehicle infrastructure is a crucial step towards not only protecting our environment but also addressing the urgent need to fix our state’s crumbling infrastructure,” said Brixie. “The new EV charging stations will reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in our communities, equivalent to taking thousands of polluting cars off the road each year. We have a unique opportunity to invest in our transportation infrastructure while radically modernizing it, as well.”
Highlighting environmental health, Elizabeth Hauptman, Field Coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force (MCAF), underscored the broader implications of improved infrastructure. “The importance of clean air cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to protecting the health of our children and families,” said Hauptman. “This initiative promises to significantly reduce air pollutants that exacerbate health issues in children and families, moving us closer to our goal of ensuring every Michigan child grows up in a healthy environment.”
David Kieve, EDF Action President, stated: The future is electric, and Michigan is already seeing the benefits. Michigan drivers who have made the choice to go electric are experiencing the joy of living without pain at the gas pump, and are saving thousands of dollars. The laws that President Biden and Michigan’s Congressional leaders worked hard to pass have attracted $20 billion and counting in investments that will create more than 18,000 new, good-paying Michigan jobs. Projects like the Michigan Capitol Area Regional EV Charging Gateway will help us accelerate even faster, eliminating range anxiety and assuring drivers that there will be plenty of places to quickly recharge.
The event was hosted by EDF Action, the advocacy partner of the Environmental Defense Fund.