Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg attempted to justify the progress on electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, prompting a laugh from CBS’s “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brenna.
After $7.5 billion of taxpayers’ money being plowed into the initiative, just a “handful” of charging stations have been built.
The interview took a comedic turn when Brennan pointed out the discrepancy between the investment made back in 2021 and the reality of the results.
Just seven or eight charging stations have been built despite billions being spent, according to the Federal Highway Administration,
“Why isn’t that happening more quickly?” asked Brennan.
Buttigieg responded by detailing the complex process involving utility work and the novelty and reiterating the administration’s goal to install half a million chargers by 20230.
After Buttigiegelved into the details of the logistical hurdles, Brennan couldn’t help but laugh.
Watch
As Trendingpoliticsnews noted: Many have questioned whether the government’s lofty promises on green energy are too far out of reach, especially when basic infrastructure projects are crawling at a snail’s pace. Despite the lofty goal to roll out 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2030, a mere seven are up and running—more than two years after Congress forked over $7.5 billion to fuel the project. As the White House pushes new car and truck emissions rules demanding more electric and hybrid vehicles, the sluggish pace could put the brakes on America’s green driving revolution.
The outlet added:
Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enacted in November 2021 allocated $7.5 billion to bolster the nation’s EV charging infrastructure. Of this, $5 billion was designated for states through “formula funding” under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to establish a network of rapid chargers along key highways.
However, two years post-enactment, a Federal Highway Administration spokesperson revealed that only seven charging stations are operational, offering just 38 charging ports. This is a stark contrast to the projected 20,000 charging spots or approximately 5,000 stations, as forecasted by Atlas Public Policy.
Currently, operational stations are located in Hawaii, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, with ongoing constructions in four additional states. Meanwhile, twelve states have initiated contracts for station construction, but 17 states are yet to propose any plans according to The Washington Post.
Earlier in the year, Republican members of the House of Representatives formally questioned the Biden administration about the delayed deployment of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, sending a letter that demanded answers on the program’s slow progress.
“We have significant concerns that under your efforts American taxpayer dollars are being woefully mismanaged,” Republican members wrote.
“The problems with these programs continue to grow — delays in the delivery of chargers, concerns from States about labor contracting requirements and minimum operating standards for chargers.”
As the Biden administration continues to push for a greener America, many have been left wondering if their vision is obscured by bureaucratic inefficiencies and overpromises. Meanwhile, taxpayers are left watching the clock—and their wallets—as the promised EV revolution sputters from the start.
READ: Pete Buttigieg Blames Boeing Incidents on ‘Climate Change’
