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(WKYT) – As electrical car charging stations develop, a brand new proposal within the Kentucky legislature, Home Invoice 581, goals to guard gasoline stations.
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“For an ordinance to say that you may construct an electrical charging station, however you’ll be able to’t construct a gasoline station or a retail gasoline station, we really feel like that’s discriminatory,” mentioned Rep. Ken Upchurch (R-Monticello).
State Rep. Ken Upchurch mentioned HB581 would ban native governments from limiting gasoline stations in favor of electrical charging stations, permitting customers to take the wheel.
“There’s not sufficient of them on the street for the foreseeable future to dictate a metropolis passing an ordinance that will discriminate in opposition to gasoline stations or permitting for an electrical charging station,” he mentioned.
“Whereas Consultant Upchurch mentioned the invoice is a vital step at stopping electrical autos from being favored over gasoline ones, proponents of electrical autos mentioned they’re confused in regards to the intent of the invoice.
“I believe we’re simply getting caught up within the basic dialogue about local weather change, all these kinds of issues,” mentioned Mike Proctor, publicity chair for Evolve KY.
Proctor mentioned he doesn’t have a difficulty with the laws however mentioned the invoice addresses a difficulty that he has not seen.
“I don’t assume anyone that drives an [electric vehicle] desires to see anyone that’s driving a daily automotive penalized in any manner,” he mentioned.
Rep. Upchurch mentioned he believes the laws will do nicely in Frankfort and is optimistic of its passing.
“I believe numerous my fellow legislators see the necessity for this laws as a result of it’s a direct assault on how we fund our roads in Kentucky,” mentioned Rep. Upchurch.
Gov. Andy Beshear reiterated his assist for the electrical autos business in a press release offered to WKYT:
“Kentucky has change into the electrical car battery manufacturing capital of the USA, and we’ve secured $11.6 billion in electrical vehicle-related investments together with 10,100 full-time jobs over the previous 4 years – and we’re simply getting began constructing out the EV provide chain. We must be doing extra, not much less, to assist this rising business that’s serving to our communities prosper and our households safe good-paying jobs.”
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