For Immediate Release: February 10, 2022

Contact: Mark Brueggenjohann  202-728-6014

DOT’s Electric Vehicle Guidance Prioritizes Safety, Workers

IBEW President Lonnie Stephenson issued the following statement in response to new guidance issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the implementation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure:

“The IBEW’s 775,000 members have long called for a highly-skilled, highly trained workforce to be at the forefront of electric vehicle charging infrastructure installation and maintenance. We are pleased that the guidance issued today by the Department of Transportation sets the foundation for the development of national standards and recognizes the need for quality training by including the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) within the guidance. Through these actions, DOT clearly demonstrates that it is prioritizing the safety of the traveling public and the creation of career pathways for working people.

“As we transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, the integrity of the infrastructure that will power our future must be prioritized. With the right federal standards in place, our government can ensure that EV charging stations are installed to the high-quality standards the American public deserves the first time, sparing costly and time-consuming repairs down the road while creating good, union jobs.

“Today’s guidance is a promising first step towards these goals. The IBEW looks forward to working with the Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, and other stakeholders to ensure an electric vehicle future that is both safe and a pipeline to good jobs.”

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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 775,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.