Contact: Noah Barnes, Electrification Coalition
noah@electrification.org, (202) 461-2371
COLUMBUS—A group of Ohio 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 to the program Ohio has been a national leader in would jeopardize local investments, economic growth, and transportation reliability across the state.
This week, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee released its text of the highway bill, which would not reauthorize funding for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Two of Ohio’s members of Congress, Rep. Dave Taylor and Rep. Emilia Sykes, sit on that committee and will play influential roles in decisions on funding for critical EV charging infrastructure.
In a sign‑on letter sent to members of Ohio’s congressional delegation, 14 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 Ohio residents and businesses. Under Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio has been a national leader in deploying federal funding to build out the state’s charging network.
“Investing in EV charging stations is a smart step for Athens and for the rural Appalachian region we proudly call home,” said Athens Mayor Steve Patterson. “These stations make it easier for tourists to visit our community, explore our local businesses, and enjoy everything Athens has to offer. They also provide added convenience for the families and friends who travel here to visit Ohio University students throughout the year. By expanding this infrastructure, we’re supporting economic growth, sustainability, and a more connected future for our region.”
Signatories include mayors, councilmembers, education officials, and state representatives. 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 Anna Albi, City of Cincinnati
- Member Eve Bolton, Cincinnati Public School Board
- Councilmember Austin N. Davis, City of Cleveland
- Commissioner Matt Joseph, City of Dayton
- Mayor Judson Kline, Orange Village
- City Council President Micah McCarey, City of Athens
- Rep. Joseph A. Miller, III, Ohio House of Representatives
- Member Kareem Moffett, Cincinnati Public School Board
- Mayor Stephen Patterson, City of Athens
- Commissioner Christopher L. Shaw, City of Dayton
- Councilmember Michael Shrodek, City of Warren
- Mayor Shenise Turner-Sloss, City of Dayton
- Trustee Lee Wong, West Chester Township
- Councilmember Christopher L. Wyche, City of Columbus
“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 Ohio remain competitive as automakers and manufacturers continue to invest heavily in electric transportation.
“Whether in urban centers or rural counties, communities are planning for growth and mobility,” the letter states. “Federal EV charging funding gives local governments the certainty they need to build infrastructure that serves residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
Ohio 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