Illinois Senate Bill SB3672

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/24
• Refer: 2/9/24
• Refer: 2/28/24

Caption

EV CHARGER GRANT ACT

Impact

Upon its immediate effect, this legislation will influence how grant funds are awarded for the installation of electric vehicle charging systems. Specifically, it encourages state agencies to prioritize equity eligible contractors through added incentives for grantees who commit to their exclusive use. This could lead to increased economic opportunities for historically marginalized communities and help diversify the contractor base in the electric vehicle infrastructure project.

Summary

SB3672, known as the Electric Vehicle Charger Grant Act, aims to facilitate the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Illinois. The bill mandates that any state agency dispensing grant funds for electric vehicle charging stations must include provisions that promote the use of equity eligible contractors in the awarding criteria. This is intended to broaden the participation of minority-owned or governed businesses in the renewable energy sector and address disparities in economic opportunities.

Contention

While the bill promotes inclusivity in contractor participation, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the implementation of equity criteria. Opponents might argue that such provisions could complicate the grant awarding process or delay project timelines due to additional requirements. Furthermore, the effectiveness of these measures in achieving true equity within the contracting community could be questioned, highlighting a potential need for ongoing oversight and evaluation of the program's impact.