Posted on 08/03/2012 1:38:27 PM PDT by Libloather
Congress gives OK to electric car charging stations on Capitol Hill
By Ramsey Cox - 08/03/12 12:35 PM ET
Congress has approved legislation that would allow the Architect of the Capitol to construct battery-recharging stations for electric cars in congressional parking areas.
The bill introduced by Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Mich.) requires that construction be at no net cost to the government but says the Architect of the Capitol could construct, operate and maintain battery-recharging stations in House and Senate parking lots. Users would pay a fee, which would eventually pay for the installation and maintenance of the stations.
The bill passed in the Senate on Thursday by unanimous consent, after passing in the House earlier that day. It now heads to President Obama's desk for his signature.
“I am extremely pleased that we have taken this important step toward establishing charging stations in the Capitol,” Kildee said. “This bill will make owning electric vehicles more accessible for consumers and encourages others to install charging stations.”
Electric cars have increased in popularity in recent years, but drivers face challenges because there are few recharging stations. Sales of electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf and Ford's electric Focus have fallen recently, though sales of Chevrolet's Volt cars have rebounded.
H.R.1402 would allow members of Congress, and anyone authorized to park on Capitol grounds, to use the recharging stations.
The Senate companion bill, S. 739, introduced by Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), had bipartisan support. Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), John Kerry (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Debbie Stabenow (R-Mich.) co-sponsored the bill.
It’s no coincidence that Michigan lawmakers introduced the legislation — Detroit automakers have been making recent strides in electric car manufacturing, such as Chevrolet's Volt and Ford's electric Focus.
“These cars are helping re-energize the domestic auto industry, helping our local economies in Michigan and throughout our nation,” Kildee said. “I am committed to the strength of the domestic auto industry, and electric cars are a critical part of the future of American auto manufacturing.”
How about diaper changing stations for the members of Congress ?
Why didn’t they vote themselves free electric for their homes while they are at it?
We have a couple of electric “recharging” spots at our local Costco.
I park there because it’s closest to the doors.
My friend always wonders if I’m going to get keyed or my car towed.
I ask her if she knows what an electric vehicle looks like and how many she’s seen.
Chirp, chirp, chirp...
Do any of them own an electric car?
Another innovation by Boondoggle Motors.
“...It now heads to President Obama’s desk for his signature...”
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Which is not required.
They’d better secure these stations in a locked garage, or the Dem’s DC clients will salvage the copper wiring.
The headline should read, “Congress gives OK to coal-fueled cars.”
Debbie Stabenow is a Democrat, not a Republican. Nice try, The Hill.
Users would pay a fee, which would eventually pay for the installation and maintenance of the stations.
Does anyone, not currently institutionalized in a mental facility or major East/West Coast University, actually believe that the taxpayer will not get stuck with the tab?
“The headline should read, “Congress gives OK to coal-fueled cars.””
No, the EPA and Obama have solved that problem.
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