In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Regulations and Standards Final Rule, NATSO, SIGMA, and NACS issued a joint statement representing America’s travel centers, fuel marketers, and convenience stores. The statement reflects their collective concerns regarding the rule’s implications for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and the need for a market-oriented approach to emissions reduction.
The associations express appreciation for the Biden Administration’s efforts to lower transportation emissions but highlight their dissatisfaction with the final rule’s modest improvements over the initial proposal. Emphasizing the importance of technology-neutral, market-oriented policies, they argue that the current mandate for a single technology overlooks the potential of other viable solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
With a combined representation of 90 percent of fuel sold at retail, the associations advocate for policies that support all fueling technologies proportionately based on their climate benefits and commercial viability. They stress the importance of creating a competitive marketplace for fast, publicly accessible EV charging stations and urge the Administration and Congress to implement measures that permit fuel retailers to generate electronic Renewable Identification Numbers (e-RINs) from electricity produced from qualifying feedstocks.
Furthermore, the statement calls for regulated utilities to create EV-specific rates that facilitate private sector investment in charging infrastructure. The associations underscore the need for a clear pathway to profitability for charging station operators to meet the Biden Administration’s goals of establishing a nationwide network of EV charging stations.
In conclusion, the joint statement emphasizes the crucial role of fuel retailers in installing EV charging stations and the necessity for policies that incentivize private sector investment in charging infrastructure. By harnessing the existing network of refueling locations and implementing market-oriented reforms, the industry aims to support the transition to electric transportation while ensuring economic viability for charging infrastructure investments.
