Contact: Noah Barnes, Electrification Coalition
noah@electrification.org, (202) 461-2371
LANSING—A bipartisan group of Michigan mayors, county officials, school leaders, and state legislators is calling on Congress to protect federal funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the upcoming highway bill, warning that cuts or rollbacks would jeopardize local investments, economic growth, and transportation reliability across the state.
In a sign‑on letter sent to members of Michigan’s congressional delegation, 13 locally elected officials from communities large and small urged lawmakers to maintain federal commitments that are already helping bring EV charging stations to urban centers, rural communities, and key travel corridors statewide. They also expressed concern about a proposed federal EV tax that would require EV drivers to pay significantly more than drivers of internal combustion engine vehicles, and urged a fair, fuel-neutral solution.
The letter was organized by the Electrification Coalition and emphasizes that predictable federal funding is essential for long‑term planning, private investment, and access to charging infrastructure for Michigan residents and businesses.
“Michigan has been diligently utilizing funding from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program to improve geographic coverage, support municipal fleets, and promote equitable access,” said State Rep. Julie Brixie, one of the signatories. “Committing to electrifying our transportation is the right step for our state, our economy and our future.”
“I strongly support continued federal investment in EV charging infrastructure and the Clean School Bus Program,” said Dearborn Public Schools Board Trustee Adel A. Mozip. “Dearborn was among the first school districts in Michigan to benefit from these programs— building dedicated charging stations and purchasing more than 18 electric school buses to provide cleaner and more efficient transportation for our students. These programs deliver real economic benefits for the school district by reducing fuel and maintenance costs.”
Signatories include mayors, councilmembers, local education officials, and members of the Michigan General Assembly. Together, the officials represent communities across the state and share a commitment to strengthening local infrastructure and economic competitiveness.
The full list of officials signing the letter:
- Councilmember Dharma Akmon, City of Ann Arbor
- Vice President Kenyada Bowman, School District of the City of Pontiac
- Rep. Julie Brixie, Michigan House of Representatives
- Sen. Stephanie Chang, Michigan State Senate
- Councilmember Jen Eyer, City of Ann Arbor
- Commissioner Jonathan C. Kinloch, Wayne County
- Member Andy LaBarre, Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners
- Councilmember Denzel McCampbell, City of Detroit
- Rep. Jason Morgan, Michigan House of Representatives
- Trustee Adel M. Mozip, Dearborn Public Schools
- Mayor Andy Schor, City of Lansing
- Sen. Sam Singh, Michigan State Senate
- Commissioner Charles Winfrey, Genesee County Board of Commissioners
“Expanding our EV charging infrastructure is critical to ending our dependence on oil for transportation, particularly at a time when gas prices are spiking,” said Ben Prochazka, executive director of the Electrification Coalition. “Powering vehicles with domestic electricity is cheaper for consumers and insulates them from the price volatility associated with gasoline. Congress should protect funding for EV charging and stop an unfair EV tax to protect American economic and national security.”
The officials note that EV charging investments support local jobs, reduce drivers’ fuel costs, and help Michigan retain its leading role in the nation’s automotive manufacturing sector as automakers and manufacturers continue to invest heavily in electric transportation.
Michigan has already begun deploying EV charging stations along major highways and in local communities, leveraging federal funding to attract private investment and improve access for drivers. Local leaders warn that disrupting this funding would delay projects that are already in progress and undermine confidence among private partners.
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About the Electrification Coalition: The Electrification Coalition is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that promotes policies and actions to facilitate the widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) on a mass scale to overcome the economic, public health and national security challenges that stem from America’s dependence on oil. ElectrificationCoalition.org