Patricia Browne - Comments
Patricia BrowneSupportIndividual
Summary: Patricia Browne urges the Federal Highway Administration to maintain the existing 55% "Buy America" requirement for electric vehicle chargers rather than increasing it to 100%. She argues that a 100% requirement would disrupt the domestic supply chain, harm American jobs, and delay the expansion of the charging network.
I’m writing to urge the Federal Highway Administration to leave the existing Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers in place. I oppose modifying the requirement from 55% Made-In-America to 100%, because it would harm American companies and drivers.
Manufacturers have built an industry which supports domestic companies while allowing for innovative and affordable parts from abroad. There are about a dozen U.S.-based EV charger manufacturers providing jobs in our communities that depend on consistency and predictability in the rules. Abruptly changing the requirement to 100% would grind things to a halt, since no EV charger in the US today meets that standard. American companies would be left in the lurch, and it would hurt American jobs.
Failure to implement the programs in the bipartisan infrastructure law will result in gaps in America’s charging network. Many places will continue to be left behind, such as rural areas and multifamily properties. With gas prices on the rise once again we are reminded that drivers need affordable alternatives like EVs. But they depend on charging stations to travel, just as gas drivers depend on gas stations. I urge FHWA to maintain the 55% domestic content requirement to keep progress on local jobs and clean transportation for more Americans.
Sincerely,
Patricia Browne