Upstate New York is set to receive more than $15 million in federal funding to expand its network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This move is part of the Biden administration’s push towards cleaner air goals and reducing reliance on gas-powered vehicles. The majority of this funding, amounting to $14.7 million, will be used to install charging stations across approximately 200 locations, including state parks, state office buildings, and municipal parking lots.
Specific areas like Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse are earmarked for three to six new charging stations each, with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority overseeing the distribution of these funds.
The effort is part of a larger initiative by the U.S. Department of Transportation, involving $623 million in grants announced by the White House. This funding aims to extend the EV charging network, especially into rural and disadvantaged communities. The Biden administration has set an ambitious target of over 500,000 charging stations by 2030 and is leveraging this investment to encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles, addressing concerns about charging availability and the cost of EVs. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizes the opportunity for America to lead the global EV revolution, highlighting the potential for job creation and environmental benefits.
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