Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) have announced over $114 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Chicagoland. This investment would support the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus in their efforts to enhance accessibility and equity in EV charging.
However, recent executive orders issued by President Donald Trump have cast uncertainty over the future of these federal investments. “I’m very nervous right now that (the Trump executive order) is going to limit Illinois’ ability to achieve its EV future, and the fact that those two programs (EV formula program and the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program) are specifically called out” said RHA’s Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski. While it remains unclear how much of the funding could be vulnerable, Urbaszewski noted that Illinois’ reimbursement-based system—where the state must spend its own money upfront before being reimbursed by federal programs—could exacerbate the challenges posed by potential funding cuts.
The IEPA’s project, Equitable Future-Ready Electrification Infrastructure for Green Heavy-duty Transportation (E-FREIGHT), would use this funding to install 14 publicly accessible vehicle charging stations along priority freight corridors in the Chicago metropolitan region. These state-of-the-art stations would feature battery storage and clean on-site power generation, setting a new standard for sustainable transportation solutions. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, representing 34 local governments in Illinois, would receive nearly $14.5 million for its Aggregated Community Charging for the Chicago Metropolitan Region project. This funding would enable the installation of 196 EV charging stations with 389 ports, including one compressed natural gas fueling station. These stations would be strategically located at publicly accessible sites such as municipal buildings, parking facilities, healthcare centers, multi-family housing complexes, and recreational areas.
This $100 million builds on $95 million awarded in November through the Clean Ports Program, roughly half of which is directed toward electrification efforts at the Chicago International Port on the Southeast Side. Additionally, $115 million of the $430 million Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant Illinois received at the end of July is dedicated to zero-emission initiatives like electrification. Altogether, Illinois has secured $309 million for projects advancing zero-emission freight movement and EV infrastructure over the past six months. These investments position Chicagoland to make significant progress in building an equitable and accessible EV charging network, cutting emissions, and fostering healthier communities—if the funding remains intact.
To learn more, read Sen. Durbin’s full press release, Urbaszewski’s comments to the Chicago Tribune, or RHA Advocate Alex Peimer’s Letter to the Editor of the Chicago Sun-Times, explaining how clean air and EV rules go hand in hand. And don’t forget to contact your representatives to help save healthy lungs and clean air for all!
Recent Comments