Clean transportation projects in Pennsylvania are improving air quality, creating jobs and lowering costs, according to new data.

A new report highlighted Pennsylvania, where the Department of Transportation got more than 270 proposals for projects and awarded money to 61 for installing electric vehicle charging stations, through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.

Tina Hodges, senior policy analyst for the research firm Atlas Public Policy, said investments from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act are delivering progress nationwide.

“These programs are benefiting communities across the country,” Hodges reported. “We found large benefits with cleaner air, new manufacturing jobs and transportation benefits, affordable ways to get around.”

More than $170 million is set to be allocated to Pennsylvania over five years through the program. The Trump administration put the funds on hold earlier this year but just last month, PennDOT earned full build-out certification for its plans to expand its network of EV charging stations statewide.

The report showed federal investments mean 59% of major highways now feature fast EV chargers every 50 miles, up from 38% five years ago. Hodges added the rapid growth of charging stations has made it easier for people to travel longer distances.

“Eighty percent of charging of electric vehicles happens at home but that 20% – when you’re out and about and you need a charge, or you’re doing a road trip – you really want to be able to make sure that you can find a working EV charging station,” Hodges explained.

Hodges noted Congress must decide whether to keep funding clean transportation programs or risk stalling progress. The current infrastructure law expires next September. The report found if the grant funding was fully allocated, EV charging projects could create more than 11,000 jobs nationwide.


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