What the state’s newest investment in EV charging means for cities
Cities not in compliance with two state permitting laws could be ineligible for similar funding in the future.
With internal combustible engine sales in California ending by 2035, the state is aggressively fast-tracking the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Just before the new year, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved a $2.9 billion investment plan that seeks to accelerate the state’s 2025 EV charging station and hydrogen refueling goals.
This plan is the biggest investment that any state has ever proposed for the build-out of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. It also aligns with the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides $7.5 billion in funding toward the development of a national EV charging station network.
This newest investment is an important step towards a more sustainable infrastructure. However, cities not in compliance with two key state laws could be ineligible for similar funding in the future.
Where is this money coming from?
The CEC plan aims to construct 90,000 new EV charging stations across the state. This would bring the number of publicly available chargers to 170,000. Combined with funding from utilities and other programs, these investments are expected to ensure the state achieves its goal to deploy 250,000 zero-emission vehicle chargers by 2025.
This new funding is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $54 billion climate package, which included $10 billion for electric vehicle incentives and charging infrastructure. About $384 million comes from the federal government.
These funds are primarily intended for the private sector zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. However, public transit buses, school buses, ports, and drayage truck operations are also eligible for funding. Charger deployments will be targeted toward the needs of the local community and related infrastructure, such as water, electricity, and transportation systems.
What does this mean for cities?
Cities can expect of flurry applications in the coming years, which may have serious consequences for those not in compliance with AB 1236 (Chapter 598, 2015) and AB 970 (Chapter 710, 2021). These two laws require local governments to adopt streamlined permitting procedures for EV charging stations, establish a mandatory timeline for review and approval, and limit those project reviews to health and safety requirements.
According to an official statewide map, approximately half of local jurisdictions are in compliance with both permitting laws. Local governments not in compliance with either may find themselves ineligible for related state grant funding in the future.
The League of California Cities is working with the CEC to help cities better comply with the state’s permitting mandates. Cal Cities recently held two webinars on EV charging station permitting compliance, with more to be scheduled.
Ensuring widespread compliance with these laws is a vital first step towards an infrastructure that can support a transition to electric vehicles and meet our state’s climate goals.