President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law in 2021, launching a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure. This law will not only modernize our transportation and energy system but also create millions of family-​sustaining, union jobs.

One of the law's top priorities was the creation of a national network of electric vehicle charging stations.

At appearances across the country, and even in front of Congress during a State of the Union address, Biden made it clear that he wanted IBEW members to be the ones to build the half a million charging stations called for by the IIJA.

It was a lofty goal that some critics said would never be reached.

Like any new technology, the EV rollout has seen some bumps in the road.

But the aim of making the United States a global leader in EV technology took one step closer to becoming a reality earlier this year when the Biden-Harris administration announced that it was releasing an additional $623 million in federal funding for the installation of charging stations.

As you can read in this issue, these funds, in addition to the $7 billion already invested through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, mean high demand for IBEW journeymen and apprentices from coast to coast.

And the administration doubled down on its commitment to partnering with the IBEW when the Department of Transportation recommended that our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program act as the national training standard for all EV installers.

Despite what the critics say, federal investment in EV technology has meant work for our members, and a flood of new jobs is projected in the coming years. So, it is vital that we enroll more members in EVITP training.

The IBEW is leading the transition to a modern transportation system, and that is because we have the best electrical training program in all of North America.

Every local and contractor must ensure that their members know about the opportunities offered through our EVITP program. You can learn more at EVITP.org.

From the earliest days of the electrical industry, the IBEW has been at the forefront of every energy revolution, making new emerging technologies a reality, and EVs are no different.

The opportunity is here. Let's go and seize it.

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