Clean energy, infrastructure investments benefit Idaho communities, help environment
The benefits of the bipartisan infrastructure law Congress passed last year are already making their way to Idaho communities, and cities like Twin Falls stand to gain a lot.
Particularly when it comes to implementing smart, forward-thinking clean energy solutions, the federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will go a long way in advancing 21st century solutions that spur economic growth in our communities and help support a more sustainable infrastructure for future generations of Idahoans.
As just one of many examples, Idaho is set to receive approximately $28 million through the National Electric Vehicle Investment program to help build out our national network of electric vehicle charging stations along our highways over the next five years. The goal for these investments in our EV infrastructure is to have charging stations located every 50 miles along the interstate, making EVs a more practical, workable transportation option for Idahoans and all Americans.
Ultimately, increasing the number of EV charging stations in Idaho and throughout the nation is necessary if we want to continue encouraging the adoption of and transition to cleaner, more climate-friendly transportation solutions. Throughout the budgeting allocation process, the Idaho Transportation Department has invested significant time and resources to solicit public input on these efforts. It is deeply encouraging to know that feedback has been by and large supportive of improving and expanding our EV charging infrastructure across the state.
These investments made by the bipartisan infrastructure law — along with others the law makes in a range of clean energy technologies and capabilities, from battery storage and carbon capture to renewable energy development — will help position Twin Falls for smart growth in the future. It will also help our entire state and country continue to spur growth in our clean energy workforce and support the kinds of jobs and businesses that can help us continue to build a more sustainable economy.
I applaud Idaho’s Sens. Mike Crapo and James Risch for working across the aisle to help pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and ensure that the legislation made the right kinds of investments that will benefit Idaho communities. This bipartisan law is a significant step forward for Republican action on climate-smart investments and should be used as a model for how the parties can come together to advance commonsense clean energy and infrastructure solutions that benefit all Americans.
Ultimately, we are all in this together, and it is only by working together that we will be able to solve some of the biggest challenges we face as a state, a nation and an entire planet. Sens. Crapo and Risch should continue leading on clean energy and infrastructure investments that will help us continue to reduce emissions, improve air and water quality and protect our precious natural resources for future generations.
This story was originally published October 5, 2022 at 3:14 PM.