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Rush Secures $36.6 Billion Investment in Electric Vehicles in INVEST in America Act

U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.)

U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Energy Subcommittee, secured an amendment adding a robust title on electric vehicles to the INVEST in America Act, surface transportation reauthorization legislation that passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 221–201 this morning. Rush’s amendment, which was added to the legislation in a bipartisan vote of 221–187, would authorize more than $36.6 billion over five years to help states implement electric vehicles networks and electrify our transportation system.

“Climate change is wreaking havoc across the globe, and the consequences of our failure to meet this moment with the aggressive action it demands are felt most in communities like those in Illinois’s 1st District, which have been historically underinvested in and persistently overburdened by pollution,” said Rep. Rush.  

“The INVEST in America Act is an excellent vehicle for us to pass bold investments in electric vehicle infrastructure and transform our transportation sector, which is currently the number one offender in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Importantly, my amendment includes dedicated funding for the deployment of electric vehicles in disadvantaged communities, ensuring that communities like those in my District are well-positioned to benefit from the transition to a clean energy economy. I am thrilled that the House has adopted my amendment and thank Chairmen DeFazio and Pallone for their tireless focus in ushering this important legislation across the finish line.”

Rep. Rush’s amendment to the INVEST in America Act would authorize the following in grants for Fiscal Year 2022 through Fiscal Year 2026:

  • $2.5 billion per year for large-scale projects to electrify the transportation sector;
  • $2.5 billion per year to accelerate the domestic manufacturing of electric vehicles;
  • $2 billion per year for the deployment of electric vehicle charging equipment;
  • $100 million per year to establish a rebate program for state, local, and Tribal governments, and other entities, to cover the cost of recharging stations and related supply equipment.
  • $96 million per year to increase deployment and accessibility of EV charging infrastructure in underserved communities; and
  • $100 million per year for state energy conservation plans.

Per Rep. Rush’s amendment, the Department of Energy would have to ensure grant programs prioritize the needs of underserved communities. The amendment also sets thresholds for the conversion of Federal vehicle fleets to electric or hybrid vehicles, including requiring all Federal light-duty vehicles to be 100% zero emission by 2050.

The text of Rep. Rush’s amendment is nearly identical to the NO EXHAUST Act of 2021 (H.R. 2852), which Rep. Rush introduced in April and chaired an Energy Subcommittee legislative hearing on in May.

Electric vehicle sales have increased tremendously over the past decade, and in 2020, more than 3 million electric cars were sold worldwide.

The full text of Rep. Rush’s amendment is available HERE.

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