This Op-ed comes to us from our Executive Director Stuart Gardner and Alleyn Harned the Executive Director of Virginia Clean Cities.
Virginians deserve market certainty – rolling back popular programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program doesn’t do that. When programs like NEVI are established, they create reliable pathways for job growth and economic security. Abruptly ending them disrupts lives, businesses, and long-term investment strategies.
Imagine a real opportunity for both well-paying jobs across the Commonwealth and the opportunity for Virginians to reduce their transportation costs. A long-term plan that would provide confidence in the investment of a successful career path and the reassurance that an electric vehicle (EV) is “right for me.”
In 2022, Virginia was awarded $100 million dollars to create its portion of a nationwide network of public EV charging infrastructure, called the NEVI program. NEVI would ensure public EV chargers every 50 miles along designated highway corridors. Additionally, $16 million in supplemental Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grants have already been awarded to fill in more gaps, ensuring partnerships in a comprehensive and reliable network of charging stations throughout the state.
Virginia businesses were likely surprised to learn this month that the Federal Highway Administration issued a memo ordering states to decertify state EV infrastructure deployment plans under the NEVI program. This abrupt change creates a confusing ripple effect affecting numerous industries in Virginia – impacting not only electricians but also auto dealers, manufacturers, and consumers who were planning on using this bipartisan infrastructure investment. Families who were counting on these jobs are now left uncertain about the timing for this future.
Virginia produces no oil and should move towards energy independence rather than remain reliant on imported fossil fuels that hinder job creation and innovation. According to the recent Generation180 Virginia Drives Electric survey, over 60% of respondents cited it was important for Virginia to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Similarly, nearly 60% said energy independence was a key motivation for considering driving electric. Rolling back these programs undermines this progress and keeps Virginia tied to outdated and volatile energy markets.
Cancelling, delaying, or over-regulation of investments in public charging infrastructure not only creates uncertainty for Virginia’s electricians but also for car buyers and Virginia’s auto dealers. In fact, in the same survey, the availability of charging options was identified as a key barrier to EV adoption. Nearly half of Virginians would consider an EV for their next car, citing cost savings as the primary motivation. The removal of these infrastructure investments sends mixed signals to consumers and businesses alike, slowing EV adoption and requiring Virginians to make larger community investments. Virginia has nearly 5000 chargers at 1760 locations, with hundreds of locations underway in NEVI and CFI.
Rolling back the NEVI program doesn’t just take away charging stations—it takes away stable, well-paying jobs that Virginians were relying on. From electricians and construction workers to auto dealerships and parts manufacturers, countless industries were set to benefit from this program’s success. Virginia’s largest economic development announcement was recently 2000 battery jobs. With the programs confused or delayed, businesses and families who had planned for a better economic future are left scrambling for answers.
NEVI and CFI are bipartisan infrastructure programs that give Virginia’s electricians and auto dealers the confidence to invest in their workforce and facilities while providing the growing constituency of EV owners the hardest-to-reach infrastructure. Additionally, these programs provide prospective EV owners with the assurance they could always find a place to charge on the occasional long-distance trip.
Beyond economic and energy benefits, these programs also contribute to cleaner air and public health. According to the American Lung Association, increased EV adoption and cleaner transportation options could prevent thousands of cases of respiratory illnesses and save millions in healthcare costs annually. Rolling back NEVI is not just an economic misstep but a public health setback as well.
NEVI and CFI provide three key benefits for Virginia: an investment in our workforce, a move toward our own energy independence, and the ability for everyday Virginians to save money on their transportation costs. Certainty allows for the best possible decisions. Let’s protect Virginia’s clean energy future.
The average price of a gallon of regular gas in Virginia is over $3.00, while the equivalent cost to charge an EV is less than half of that, with the Union of Concerned Scientists predicting $.87 per gallon equivalent for Virginia drivers charging at home. The financial benefits of electric vehicles are clear. By continuing to invest in EV infrastructure, Virginia and the nation can reduce household expenses, create good-paying jobs, and position itself as a leader in the clean energy economy. These investments should roll forward across all states to unleash affordable clean energy innovations for all.
Stuart Gardner is the Executive Director of Generation180, a national clean energy nonprofit in Charlottesville, VA. Originally from North Carolina, Stuart is a car enthusiast, passionate about creating sustainable and healthy communities. Prior to joining Generation180 he led go-to-market strategy, product development, and launch campaign planning in the automotive industry.
Alleyn Harned is the Executive Director of Virginia Clean Cities (VCC), a member of the U.S. Department of Energy-affiliated Clean Cities Coalitions program. Harned leads the Virginia Clean Cities coalition’s collaborative effort to assist stakeholders and the Commonwealth in programs to improve air quality, and increase American energy security and economic opportunity through the increased use of alternative fuels and vehicles. Virginia Clean Cities has offices in Richmond VA, and on the James Madison campus in Harrisonburg VA.
