Letter to Michigan Department of Transportation highlights uses for approximately $110 million
LANSING, Mich. – The state of Michigan must submit an electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure plan by Aug. 1 to secure $110 million in federal infrastructure dollars and start the build out of chargers along highway corridors over the next five years.
The deadline to apply for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds comes as a group of organizations released a letter to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) calling for broader public input in creating such a plan. The letter also calls on the state to focus on the quality, reliability, and accessibility of the EV driver needs of today and tomorrow.
“These investments in charging infrastructure will pay significant dividends to Michigan residents, not only in fuel cost savings but in public health impacts,” the letter states. “The $110 million in NEVI funds, while significant, pales in contrast to the $360 million that will be needed by 2030 to build the charging infrastructure necessary to get to Michigan’s goal of Carbon Neutrality by 2050. MDOT, utilities, charging service providers, and other state agencies must work together to greatly increase future authorizations for utilities to build out a robust distribution network for high-speed charging.”
The letter was signed by the following organizations: Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, Ecology Center, Michigan Environmental Council, Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, Soulardarity, Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action, Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, MI Air MI Health, Natural Resources Defense Council, Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance, Greater Grand Rapids NAACP and Michigan League of Conservation Voters.
“From $60 billion in gas savings, to 510 avoided deaths, 31,000 avoided lost workdays, and $5.9 billion in public health savings from 2022 to 2050, the Sierra Club believes that Michigan’s pursuit of the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 will not only be good for the environment, but financially and medically beneficial to Michigan residents,” the letter states.
The groups said outreach to rural and environmentally overburdened communities would also help ensure that Michigan can secure more competitive grant funds in the future from the $2.5 billion rural corridor and community grant funding programs.
A full copy of the letter is attached to this release.
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