Virginia’s push to expand electric vehicle charging stations has hit a major roadblock — 51 of 53 planned projects are now on hold after a federal freeze, jeopardizing efforts to build out the state’s public EV infrastructure.
The halt comes as experts stress the urgent need for more charging access, arguing it’s critical for reducing carbon emissions generated and accelerating the shift to clean transportation.
Trip Pollard, a senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, called the freeze both harmful and legally questionable.
“I think it’s problematic, this freeze, both because of the significant environmental and health benefits of electrifying transportation, but also, I think this freeze is illegal,” said Pollard. He pointed to the NEVI statutory language, which he says makes it clear states should be allowed to move forward once their plans are approved — unless Congress intervenes.
With Virginia’s growing number of electric vehicle registrations, Pollard warned that delaying the program will leave the state without the charging infrastructure needed to keep pace.
Click here to read the rest of the article written by Nathaniel Cline over at Virginia Mercury
