senate resolution no.58

Senators McMorrow, Hollier, Polehanki, Bayer, Wojno, Moss, McCann, Irwin, Chang, Brinks, Bullock and Santana offered the following resolution:

A resolution to urge Congress to authorize the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at rest areas on the Interstate Highway System and to allow charging station providers to charge a fee for public use of charging stations installed at such rest areas.

Whereas, It is in the long-term interest of the state of Michigan and the entire nation to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles support energy diversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lead to cost savings for drivers. Removing existing regulatory barriers to the adoption of this technology is an essential element of this effort; and

Whereas, Despite advancements in electric vehicle-related technology and investments from major automotive companies leading to more affordable electric vehicles, experts say the successful adoption of electric vehicles is heavily dependent on charging station accessibility; and

Whereas, While many electric vehicle owners have home charging stations and many urban areas have charging stations available for public use, access to charging stations that support rural communities and long-distance transportation are more limited; and

Whereas, To facilitate the wide-spread adoption of electric vehicles, some states have suggested installing charging stations at rest areas where drivers can use them for a fee. However, the prohibition of commercial activity at rest areas found in 23 U.S. Code § 111, has prevented states from installing these charging stations; and

Whereas, Deploying more charging stations will strengthen our economy and lead to more good-paying jobs; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we urge Congress to authorize the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at rest areas on the Interstate Highway System; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge Congress to allow charging station providers to charge a fee for public use of charging stations installed at rest areas; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and to the entire Michigan delegation.