Bateman Bill Plugging Electric Charging Sites into Redevelopment Projects Clears Committee

Bipartisan legislation that would help spur the adoption of electric vehicles in the state was endorsed today by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

Senator Kip Bateman sponsors the bill (A-1653/S-2142) encouraging the inclusion of zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure in municipal redevelopment projects.

“To meet New Jersey’s goals for clean, renewable energy requires expanding access to charging sites for drivers of electric vehicles,” said Bateman (R-16). “This bill encourages local governments to incorporate new charging infrastructure in plans for redevelopment. It makes sense to accomplish both initiatives in one unified project.”

The Senator noted that authorizing towns to utilize funding resources for redevelopment projects will also help save local taxpayer money.

A report of the New Jersey Energy Master Plan Alternative Fuels Work Group identified the development, installation, and maintenance of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, both at home and at strategically selected public places, as one of the most significant opportunities for, and barriers to, advancing the deployment and use of EVs in the state.

“The development of an expansive EV charging network will help produce new jobs, fuel economic growth, clean the air, and reduce our reliance on foreign oil,” said Bateman.

“The more charging locations that are available to drivers, the more confidence motorists will have in driving electric cars. Most EV drivers will power up their cars at home, but public charging pumps are necessities for motorists taking a longer trip beyond their normal route.”

The Assembly approved the legislation in July.