Schneider Discusses Infrastructure Funds for Electric Vehicles and Job Training During Infrastructure Tour
Above: Left to right: IBEW Leaders Steve Smart and Brian Sorenson, Congressman Brad Schneider, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, and State Senator Melinda Bush discuss federal money coming to Illinois for electric vehicles and job creation
LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – At IBEW Local 150 in Libertyille, Representative Brad Schneider (IL-10) Wednesday discussed the estimated $149 million coming to Illinois for electric vehicle (EVs) charging infrastructure and job training as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Nationwide, the infrastructure law will invest $5 billion into states with the goal of building a national EV charging network, representing the largest dedicated EV investment in history.
Federal EV funding from the White House follows Illinois's recent move to put 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030, as part of the state's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the Reimagining Electric Vehicles (REV) Act.
"My tour of IBEW Local 150 today showed me that our communities are ready to begin tackling the existential threat of climate change. Transportation is the highest-emitting sector in the country, producing 28% of all carbon emissions. With the $149 million coming to Illinois to build an EV charging network, our communities will reduce emissions and create quality, well-paying union jobs while moving toward a greener future," Schneider said.
"Illinois is absolutely a leader in creating a green-energy economy. It's so exciting to be here today to see what actually happens on the ground – to know that we have union leaders that are training to be out there putting these charging stations. We believe that CEJA created 15,000 jobs in the state of Illinois and it's so exciting to see really know that we are a part of this new future," said State Sen. Melinda Bush at the event.
The IBEW Local 150 five-year apprenticeship training program includes a training course on electric vehicle infrastructure. This program helps teach electricians about how to install charging stations around Lake County and around the nation.
Video from the event can be found here.
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For Immediate Release
Thursday, January 27, 2022
Contact: Matt Fried
(202) 941-938