Biden’s Missing Electric-Vehicle Chargers

Union and equity rules bog down the $5 billion program

By Judge Glock. He is director of research at the Manhattan Institute.

"regulations and lavish handouts to favored groups have turned the EV charger program into another ineffective part of Mr. Biden’s equity and social-services agenda."

"Congress [in 2021] provided $5 billion over five years to fund a national network of EV charging ports. Almost three years later, the program has created 69 ports"

"The delays are due in part to regulations encouraging unionization, as well as the administration’s goal that at least 40% of clean-energy investments benefit “disadvantaged communities,” the areas that need EV chargers the least."

"To receive full subsidies, companies must abide by prevailing-wage and apprenticeship standards. But the IRS says companies can avoid penalties for violating these standards if they sign “project labor agreements,” which favor union workers and include “monitoring and administration by union officials.”"

"Last month the government proposed new accessibility standards for EV charging stations, requiring special communications features and lighter cables. The government estimates the regulation would cost almost $1 billion over the next seven years."

"This year, the Biden administration announced another $1.3 billion in grants for alternative fuel stations"

"Grant applicants are evaluated on whether they use project labor agreements, whether they use a “Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool,” and whether they give priority to “minority-owned businesses” for contracts and “people of color” for hiring."  

"newly installed federally funded chargers must be made domestically."