Florida officials said the state has earmarked $8.6 million to strengthen electric vehicle infrastructure while also protecting air quality and expanding charging stations by 50 percent.
“This long-term investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a win for our state on multiple levels,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “Not only will these charging stations promote reduced emissions and better air quality, they will also improve mobility and safety for the ever-increasing number of Floridians that drive electric cars. I look forward to building on this investment and continuing our work to improve Florida’s environment and transportation infrastructure.”
Florida was allotted $166 million to improve air quality via a Volkswagen Settlement, officials said, noting Florida’s Beneficiary Mitigation Plan outlines how the state seeks to spend the full award under the settlement.
“Florida strives to lead the nation in air quality and is proud to be the most populous state in the nation to have met all of EPA’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards,” Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein said. “Through collaboration with sister agencies and the private sector, we are able to implement projects like these that will protect air quality and provide access to charging stations in our state as electric vehicle usage continues to increase.”