AS I SEE IT
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
Over the next five years, the Biden administration is intending to commit $5 billion in taxpayer money to help states create a network of EV charging stations along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, particularly along the nation’s Interstate Highway system. Under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, the government wants to create a 500,000 fast-charging network across the country in its push to move the country away from gasoline-fueled vehicles.
As part of the massive grant, North Dakota is poised to receive about $26 million and now the state Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is seeking public comment from state residents on their priorities and preferences as it develops a Statewide Electronic Vehicle Infrastructure Plan. Under its plan, the NDDOT would like to build a system of chargers no more than 50 miles apart and less than a mile off exits along Interstates 94 and 29.
Undoubtably by now, the public gets the fact that the current administration is in a rush to move as quickly as it can to move the United States to using electric vehicles. The Biden administration is already providing a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for people who buy eligible electric cars. Those tax credits, by the way, are no doubt being subsidized by the taxpayers.
And now, they are ready to tap the American taxpayers for another $5 billion to build out a nationwide system of charging stations for electric vehicles.