Democrat representatives Andy Levin and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced a measure dubbed the 'EV Freedom Act', which proposes to create a comprehensive national network of high-speed EV chargers along US highways in the next five years.
Part of the rationale is to create automotive and infrastructure jobs - while making moves to reduce fossil fuel emissions.
Fellow Democrat Yvette Clarke introduced the EVs for Underserved Communities Act, which intends to increase access to charging stations in low-income areas and communities of colour.
Environmental organisation the Sierra Club called both pieces of legislation “transformative”.
“The solutions to our climate crisis demand that no community is left behind,” said Will Anderson, Sierra Club’s associate director of legislative/administrative advocacy.
“We must electrify transportation as quickly as possible and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels to tackle the climate crisis, and this type of investment ensures that the shift to clean transportation is built by hard-working Americans.”
Climate change lobby group Earthjustice associate legislative representative Athena Motavvef said the 'Freedom Act' would “open and diversify access” to EVs across the US.
“If we’re going to have a real shot at stemming the impact of the climate crisis, we need to ditch fossil fuels, pivot to 100% clean energy and achieve zero emissions,” Motavvef added. “Making EVs accessible to all people is an important step towards that goal.”
It is not yet clear what the costs involved in either bill would be - and there is also no guarantee of support from the government. Tesla's shares rose on the announcement of the 'Freedom Act'.
