Maryland officials announced on Friday that the state’s Clean Energy Center is set to receive a $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program.
The funds, which are made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be used to install 58 electric vehicle charging stations across the state.
Governor Wes Moore, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg, Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, and Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins gathered at Coppin State University in Baltimore for the announcement.
“I’ve been very clear that Maryland will achieve 100% clean energy by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2045, but in order to move closer to our goals, we need to bring everyone along for the ride,” said Gov. Moore. “I want to thank the Biden Administration, our federal partners, local leaders, and the Maryland Clean Energy Center for making this happen together, as this project will set an example for the rest of the state and the country in what equitable climate action looks like. It’s not enough to ask people to see themselves in the consequences of climate change – they need to see themselves in the promise of climate action, and that philosophy is at the heart of this historic investment.”
The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program aims to strategically install electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling stations in urban and rural areas, as well as along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. This initiative seeks to make modern and sustainable infrastructure accessible to drivers of electric, hydrogen, propane, and natural gas vehicles.
In addition to funding the Maryland Clean Energy Center, the Biden Administration announced grants totaling $623 million to support the development of a nationwide electric vehicle charging network. This initiative will benefit 47 projects across 22 states and Puerto Rico, facilitating the construction of approximately 7,500 electric vehicle charging ports.
“USDOT is proud to provide $623 million for EV chargers in communities across the country including 58 EV chargers across Maryland,” said U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “These investments will provide drivers with convenient charging options in addition to addressing climate change, creating good-paying jobs, and boosting the economy.”
The U.S. Department of Energy’s website has a map showing the locations of electric vehicle charging stations.
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