Reps. Cleaver, Davids Announce $1 Million Grant to Expand EV Infrastructure, Adoption in Kansas City

January 9, 2024
Press Release

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) announced $999,949 has been awarded to the Metropolitan Energy Center in Kansas City to support clean energy deployment and regional economic development while also advancing U.S. energy independence and reducing vehicle emissions. As one of 16 projects selected by the Biden Administration, the federal grant funding will help expand electric vehicle (EV) deployment and support EV charging infrastructure by reducing installation costs, educating consumers, and implementing regional deployment strategies.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, America is accelerating our transition to a clean energy economy at a rapid pace—and this latest funding is just another example of our commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This federal funding will help the entire region move more expeditiously in implementing the charging infrastructure necessary to make EVs more feasible for Missourians, while also educating the public about the immense benefits of EVs to our communities. Not only will this give families more choices and clarity when choosing their next vehicle, but it will also help to combat air pollution, drive down energy costs, and create good-paying green jobs in the process.”

“We need innovative solutions to grow our economy, combat the climate crisis, and leave behind a healthier world for our children. This new federal award for the greater Kansas City area will help local leaders determine the most impactful and cost-effective vehicle options, fuels, and technologies needed to build a more resilient Kansas,” said Representative Sharice Davids.

Funded through DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the selected projects are expected to: 

  • Reduce EV infrastructure soft costs across the nation;  
  • Increase consumer familiarity with EVs and their benefits;  
  • Demonstrate and deploy novel clean transportation solutions, including electric construction vehicles and school buses;
  • Provide regional clean transportation outreach, education, and training for underserved communities. 

Additional information about the grant funding is available here.

 

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.