Auto Charging Stations At Capitol

For Immediate Release          Contact: David Holtz
Thursday, July 19, 2012         810-239-1437
 
Kildee Legislation to Bring Auto Battery Recharging Stations
to Capitol Hill Passes Key Hurdle
Bill incentivizes use of electric vehicles at no cost to taxpayers

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Legislation establishing battery recharging stations in parking areas of the U.S. House of Representatives, introduced by Congressman Dale E. Kildee, Co-Chair of the Congressional Auto Caucus, was approved today by a key House committee. The legislation, H.R. 1402, will make clean-energy electric vehicles, like the Chevy Volt, more accessible to consumers and incentivize their use, all at no cost to the taxpayer.  A vote on the bill by the full House is anticipated prior to the scheduled August break.   The Senate has already passed its version of the bill covering parking areas under Senate jurisdiction. 
 
Co-sponsors of Kildee’s bill include Representatives John Dingell (D-MI), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Sander Levin (D-MI), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Tim Ryan (D-OH).
 
“I am extremely pleased that we have taken this important step toward establishing charging stations in the Capitol,” said Kildee. “This bill will make owning electric vehicles more accessible for consumers and encourages others to install charging stations.  These cars are helping reenergize the domestic auto industry, helping our local economies in Michigan and throughout our nation. I am committed to the strength of the domestic auto industry, and electric cars are a critical part of the future of American auto manufacturing.”
 
Under Congressman Kildee’s bill, users of the charging stations would pay fees to build and maintain the stations, thereby costing the taxpayers nothing. The legislation would authorize the Architect of the Capitol to establish battery recharging stations for privately owned vehicles in parking areas under the jurisdiction of the House of Representatives at no net cost to the federal government.  The bill would allow outside vendors to construct battery recharging stations and the Architect of the Capitol would charge fees to cover the costs associated with maintaining the battery recharging stations.
 
The bill is part of a government effort to support electric vehicles and the domestic auto industry while helping the environment and reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil.
 
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