2021 Adopted Resolutions

Urging Congress to Invest in Transportation Electrification

Resolution Number: 43

WHEREAS, dangerously poor air quality and rising temperatures demand a focus on zero-emission transportation; and

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to develop clean energy infrastructure and electric vehicle charging capacity across the country and to invest in American infrastructure, technical innovation, and workforce development to lead competitiveness in the electric vehicle transition; and

WHEREAS, electric vehicle adoption requires that American workers, residents, and cities have a comprehensive, reliable, and convenient electric vehicle charging network; and

WHEREAS, communities of color disproportionately live by freight and highway corridors, are severely impacted by air pollution, and stand to experience significant health benefits from widespread deployment of electric vehicles and local charging infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, converting the commercial goods movement sector to electric trucks requires federal leadership on regulation and incentives, and a robust interstate commercial charging network; and

WHEREAS, bold, national investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure is necessary to meet our commitments to greenhouse gas reduction under the Paris Climate Agreement; and

WHEREAS, we applaud President Biden for his vision to include $174.5 billion for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in his American Jobs Plan and his commitment to create a national charging network; and

WHEREAS, the current negotiations in Congress have resulted in an expected investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure that is completely insufficient and several orders of magnitude lower than necessary,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges Congress and the Biden Administration to restore the $174.5 billion for transportation electrification from the President's Build Back Better agenda in the bipartisan infrastructure deal, the reconciliation package, or any future legislation on the topic; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges continued legislative and ministerial efforts by Congress and the Biden Administration to streamline, accelerate, and remove obstacles from the deployment of electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.