“The success of our clean energy future requires that every resident, regardless of income, is included in the electric vehicle transformation,” says US Representative Nanette Díaz Barragán (CA-44), the sponsor of the EVs for All Act, which would provide residents of 50 public housing projects nationwide with access to zero-emission cars and charging infrastructure.

The bill would provide resources for low-income residents that are “often left out of climate solutions,” said Barragán. “Congress must lead the way in ensuring that everyone has access to electric vehicles and clean air, including people who can’t afford to own a car.”

The bill was inspired by the Rancho San Pedro EV Car Share Program, a pilot program developed by the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI). “Many communities of color face disproportionate air pollution yet completely lack access to EV charging infrastructure or electric vehicles,” said LACI CEO Matt Petersen. “To achieve the Biden Administration’s commitment to Justice40, we need to scale models like LACI’s EV car share pilot that brings EVs and charging to disadvantaged communities.”

The EVs for All Act (H.R. 6662), would provide up to $50 million per year for a grant program to help public housing authorities and local governments invest in EVs, charging stations, community education and outreach.

The Rancho San Pedro EV Car Share program, which was created by LACI in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles and Nissan, provides two EVs for residents to rent for $3 an hour, along with dedicated spaces for charging.

“I was the first one at Rancho San Pedro to try the EV and I was amazed at how efficient it was to use it to go to the doctor and go shopping, to be able to drop the kids off at school,” said program user Beatriz Mendez. “We are very mindful of the impact of climate change and pollution from the ports and refineries, so every time I used the EV, I was very aware of how this was bringing a healthier and more sustainable option for me and for the community.”

Source: Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator





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