VACo spoke in support of SB 1466 (Marsden) and HB 1588 (Sullivan), which would create the Electric Vehicle Rural Infrastructure Program and Fund. This Fund would make available up to $25 million each fiscal year and assist developers by offsetting up to 70 percent of the cost of electric vehicle charging stations. According to the provisions outlined in the bill, smaller and more rural localities across the Commonwealth would benefit from the passage of these bills. These bills met separate fates as crossover approached.
SB 1466 was reported out of the Senate Transportation Committee and referred to Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee by a vote of 14-1. The bill reported out of Senate Finance and Appropriations by a 16-0 vote and passed the Senate 40-0. The House version reported out of subcommittee unanimously and referred to the House Appropriations Committee. In the House Appropriations Committee, the bill was laid on the table by a vote of 12-9, halting the legislation from moving forward. While SB 1466 has yet been assigned to a docket to the House of Delegates, VACo will continue to support this bill and advocate for its passage.
VACo for the first time added a position to its legislative platform supporting funding that provides for the availability and installation of electric vehicle charging stations. VACo staff was excited to stand in support of SB 1466 and HB 1588 and thanks the patrons for introducing the legislation. We will continue to update you as SB 1466 is heard in the House.
VACo Contact: James Hutzler