With the immediate need to address the in-your-face fact of global extreme weather and climate change, the Bipartisan Infrastruture Act was signed into law by Pres. Biden in Nov. 2021. Among the infrastructure included in this law is the investment in a national network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It also includes the largest investment in domestic manufacturing of batteries along with the important minerals that power them.
A charging station is a power supply device, suppling electrical power to recharge vehicles (cars, buses, trucks, hybrids). Charging stations provide multiple connectors conforming to an assortment of international standards. This enables a large variety of vehicles the ability to use these charging stations.
Public charging stations are generally found at government facilities, retail shopping centers and some public parking areas. Private charging stations are usually at private residences, hotels and workplaces.
In 2016, the German automaker Volkswagen AG entered into a settlement with the United States and the state of California for cheating on emissions tests and deceiving customers. Included in the settlement was the company’s agreement to spend $4.7 billion to relieve pollution and invest in vehicle technology that supports zero-emissions. Nearly $31 million came to New Hampshire through that settlement and $5 million had been set aside for statewide charging station projects.
Which brings me to good news for Keene and the surrounding area. Later this month, Keene’s Monadnock Food Co-op will become the recipient of a public charging station. The station is expected to be finished in November and customers will pay for using it. A usage price will be determined by the co-op in order to enable it to recoup its investment.
Money from the above-mentioned settlement and around $308,000 from New Hampshire’s Dept. of Environmental Services will go towards the installation. Additionally, the Monadnock Sustainability Hub raised $30,000 towards the installation.
This is how we move forward in addressing and combating the very real issue of climate change!