The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) laying out standards for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations built using federal funding authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which passed last year. The proposed rule includes requirements for the use of American-made EV chargers and certification requirements for electricians installing and maintaining charging stations, as well as guidelines to ensure that drivers of any EV can easily locate and use functioning, accessible, and affordable public charging stations.

In response to the release of the NPRM, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Policy Advisor Reem Rayef:

“Today’s proposed rule illustrates this administration’s commitment to creating good, union jobs and supporting American manufacturing as part of our nationwide efforts to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality for communities. By enforcing the Build America, Buy America Act and requiring EV Infrastructure Training Program certification for all journey-level electricians working on these projects, DOT is delivering on the administration’s promise that workers and communities everywhere immediately see the benefits of the transition to electric vehicles.

“It’s now up to state DOTs—with input from communities, labor representatives, and other advocates—to outline how they will comply with the NPRM requirements in their EV infrastructure plans. We hope to see states take measures above and beyond what is required of them to make sure that the new jobs manufacturing, maintaining, and installing EV charging infrastructure are jobs with good wages and benefits in safe, equitable, and diverse work environments.”