spot_imgspot_img

Public EV charging may get private boost

(The Center Square) – Building out public electric vehicle charging can cost state and local governments less than they think, according to a proposal moving through the legislature.

House Bill 1474, introduced by Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Royersford, would allow businesses to tap into private funding he says will encourage them to invest in the development of the statewide electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Doing so will install EV charging at shopping centers, apartment buildings, and “countless other places” for employees and customers.

And, it won’t ask everyone else to share the load, Ciresi told The Center Square. Instead, property owners who build the stations can pay back the cost through their own tax bills.

On Sept. 26, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee passed the bill on a party line vote. If enacted, it would expand Pennsylvania’s Property-Assessed Clean Energy program, C-PACE, to include EV charging infrastructure projects.

“As more and more Pennsylvanians purchase electric vehicles, we need to make sure our state’s infrastructure is ready,” Ciresi said. “This bill will help expand charging access for local EV drivers as well as tourists, and I’m thankful for the committee’s support.”

C-PACE allows property owners to obtain low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficient equipment, renewable energy, water conservation, resiliency, and indoor air quality projects.

It is a voluntary program administered by Sustainable Energy Fund, in partnership with Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance.

Commercial and agricultural property owners living in participating localities may develop a clean energy project and secure private financing. The loan payment is added to their property tax bill and collected as an assessment by county and municipal authorities.

Local governments can request “C-PACE in a Box” which includes a sample resolution, a summary of guidelines, templates, and other key documents needed to establish a program. To date, 26 of the state’s 67 counties have C-PACE programs.

In August, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Pennsylvania will spend $34 million – part of a five-year, $172 million federal grant – on electric vehicle charging stations to include 54 projects in 35 counties. As of 2022, there were nearly 43,000 electric vehicles, or EVs, registered in the state – an increase of 82% from 2021.

A request for a statement from committee Republicans was not received in time for publication.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Survey: Small business owners optimistic heading into holiday shopping season

(The Center Square) – Although a new survey reveals...

Delaware-based group spends thousands on candidates across Illinois

(The Center Square) – Several Illinois races are being...

Voters have high number of transit measures in 2024

Voters will decide on $59.2 billion in dedicated, multi-year...

Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz placed on administrative leave

(The Center Square) – Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian...

California goods inflation down, wages up, fueling possible housing bubble

(The Center Square) - According to new reports from...

Census: Arizona remains a top destination for moving Americans

(The Center Square)— New estimates from the U.S. Census...

Ohio school district adopts controversial ‘Grading for Equity’ policies

A school district outside Cleveland, Ohio, will have staff...

More like this
Related

Survey: Small business owners optimistic heading into holiday shopping season

(The Center Square) – Although a new survey reveals...

Delaware-based group spends thousands on candidates across Illinois

(The Center Square) – Several Illinois races are being...

Voters have high number of transit measures in 2024

Voters will decide on $59.2 billion in dedicated, multi-year...

Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz placed on administrative leave

(The Center Square) – Former Seattle Police Chief Adrian...