As previously reported, VACo supports HB 107 (Sullivan) as this bill would create the Electric Vehicle Rural Infrastructure Program and Fund. The Program and Fund would make available up to $25 million each fiscal year and assist developers by offsetting up to 70 percent of the non-utility cost of electric vehicle charging stations. According to the provisions outlined in HB 107, rural Virginia localities would benefit from the passage of this bill.
VACo testified in support during its initial hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee, and HB 107 reported out favorably. The bill then reported out favorably in the full House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee and the House Appropriations Committee. HB 107 would then pass the House of Delegates by a vote of 71-27. It will be heard in the Senate after crossover and a committee is not assigned as of this writing.
SB 457 (Marsden) is similar legislation that would create the Driving Decarbonization Program and Fund. The bill provides that a private developer is eligible to receive grants of 70 percent of such non-utility costs for electric vehicle charging stations installed in a historically poor community or a rural community, and 50 percent of such non-utility costs for electric vehicle charging stations installed in any other area of the Commonwealth. The bill caps the total amount of grants awarded yearly at $20 million.
VACo testified in support of SB 457, which reported out of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, 15-0, and was subsequently referred to Senate Finance and Appropriations. Unfortunately, the bill would be continued to 2025 during its Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee hearing.
VACo thanks Senator Marsden for bringing forth and advocating for this legislation. VACo will continue to support HB 107 and is excited to testify in favor of the bill as it is heard.
VACo Contact: James Hutzler