| Lansing State Journal
Michigan put the world on wheels 100 years ago, revolutionizing transportation forever. A century later, we have the chance to stay at the forefront of car manufacturing and keep the world on wheels — this time with electricity.
As more car companies move into the electric vehicle manufacturing space, we’re not only creating the future of cars and innovating the industry, we’re producing thousands of good jobs and keeping Michigan competitive.
For a long time, it seemed like only states like California would get the bulk of these investments from major car manufacturers, but thanks to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s leadership, we’re seeing it here too. Following General Motors’ announcement of millions going into their Lansing Plan — a game changer for the local economy — the demand for electric vehicles will rise.
In close partnership with Gov. Whitmer and with the help of Michigan Democrats in Congress, President Biden has moved us one step closer to ensuring electric vehicle ownership can be a reality for folks in Michigan. By building out a national and state charging network, Michigan can make sustainable driving more accessible and create jobs in the process.
The 769 public charging stations we currently have in Michigan are just a fraction of what’s needed to adequately serve our cities and rural communities.
One of the biggest challenges facing consumers when considering an electric vehicle versus a standard vehicle is access to charging stations for long drives on the highway. The Infrastructure Law looked ahead and allocated $110 million over five years for Michiganders to create jobs and a more sustainable future for our state.
Now, President Biden and the US Department of Transportation have given states the go-ahead to start building this out with $16 million for Michigan’s charger construction this year. As early as August shovels will be in the ground and folks from construction to manager level will have new job opportunities as we build charging stations close to key driving routes in the Great Lakes State.
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While Republicans may try to take credit for all of this good news in the past few weeks, this is no thanks to Congressman Tim Walberg or State Senator Tom Barrett, who voted against this once-in-a-generation investment focused on rebuilding our infrastructure and entering into a more sustainable future for Michigan.
When all is said and done — emissions are down and air quality is better, more people have EV access thanks to federal and state incentives, and good-paying jobs are created.
Electric vehicles have the power to transform the transportation sector and even after a century, Michigan is still at the forefront of the car evolution — and we have President Biden and Michigan Democrats to thank for that.
Joseph D. Chin, Jr. is chair of the Eaton County Democratic Party.
