The state Senate recently advanced legislation sponsored by Sen. Bob Mensch (R-24) that would support the development of electric vehicle infrastructure.
The Pennsylvania Clean Transportation Infrastructure Act, Senate Bill 596, would establish a framework for creating electric vehicle infrastructure and establish a state goal of increasing electrification by at least 50 percent over currently forecasted levels by 2030.
“As increasing numbers of Pennsylvania consumers and businesses consider choosing electric vehicles, we must ensure that well-planned charging infrastructures are deployed in the state,” Mensch said.
The bill would require the development of regional electrification infrastructure frameworks for metropolitan areas in the 15 counties in the state that have nearly 80 percent of all registered electric vehicles.
Additionally, it would direct electric utilities to develop infrastructure implementation plans to support the development of these networks under Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission oversight. To prevent overbuilding, it would require that all utility plans be based on third-party regional market assessments developed by independent transportation planning experts.
“Every year, we see new electric vehicles introduced in the market, and they are rapidly becoming more affordable and well-suited to our lifestyles,” Mensch said. “We’re also seeing increasing opportunities to use electricity for off-road uses in our ports, airports, and heavy equipment to drive our economy forward.”
“Through good planning and regional collaboration, we can take advantage of this opportunity to help our economy and environment at the same time,” he said.