(The Center Square) – Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced earlier this week that $50 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds will go toward building electric vehicle infrastructure.
The state plan aims to encourage Massachusetts residents to purchase electric vehicles to decrease emissions.
The funds will go toward programs at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the construction of charging ports and other initiatives.
“Many Massachusetts drivers want to make the switch to electric vehicles but worry about access to charging,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said in a press release. “This investment will break down barriers to widespread electric vehicle adoption and help Massachusetts meet its ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets.”
“State and rideshare vehicles contribute a disproportionate amount of transportation emissions, so by investing in the electrification of these vehicles, we can have a much more cost-effective impact on emissions,” Healey said. “Our administration is committed to leading by example in addressing climate change, and we are pleased that these funds will also allow Massachusetts to more quickly electrify its fleet.”
“Vehicle emissions not only contribute significantly to climate change, but also impact public health, especially in environmental justice communities,” Secretary for Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper said.
Massachusetts has led the way over the past several years in encouraging electric vehicle use. A 2023 report ranked the state fourth in the nation, scoring 57.5 out of 100 possible points in electrification efforts. In 2023, the commonwealth began granting EV rebates, including $3,500 for qualifying used vehicles.
Electric vehicles are also receiving support from the national level as well. President Biden’s administration revealed a plan to award $623 Million in grants to continue efforts to build an electric vehicle charging network.