BIDIRECTIONAL Act Bus Integration Dedicated to Improving Resilience, Eliminating Congestion, and Triggering Innovation Over Numerous Applications and Localities Act
The proposed program in HB 3180 would allocate $500 million from fiscal years 2024 to 2028 to encourage eligible entities, including municipalities and school districts, to develop projects that leverage electric buses as both transportation and energy resources. This integration of vehicles into the grid has potential benefits like lowering energy costs and improving the adaptability of the energy infrastructure, particularly as more renewable energy resources come online. Additionally, the program encourages pilot projects, partnerships, and community outreach to enhance the overall effectiveness and adoption of these technologies.
House Bill 3180, also known as the BIDIRECTIONAL Act, aims to promote the deployment of electric school buses and vehicle-to-grid technologies across the United States. By establishing a funding program through the Secretary of Energy, the bill prioritizes investments in technologies that enable electric vehicles (EVs) to not only consume energy but also discharge it back into the grid. This bidirectional charging capability is seen as crucial for enhancing energy resilience and reducing congestion in energy use, as it allows vehicles to serve as mobile energy storage units.
Notably, there are concerns surrounding the implementation of this bill. Critics may argue about the challenges related to the economic viability of bidirectional systems and the regulatory frameworks necessary to support widespread adoption. Furthermore, there are discussions about ensuring that projects are economically self-sustaining and replicable once established. The bill requires a detailed understanding of state-specific regulations regarding energy transmission and may encounter hurdles in aligning broad federal incentives with local energy needs and policies.