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This letter seeks to address the EV priorities for Latino/a/x communities.

We welcome sign-ons from INDIVIDUALS who agree with the priorities outlined in this letter and wish to add their names to this message to our congressional leaders.

For questions, please contact: andreacolomina@greenlatinos.org 

PLEASE SIGN ON BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2021.
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Dear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Majority Leader Schumer, and Minority Leader McConnell

On behalf of the undersigned environmental justice groups, locality-based organizations, and other Latino/a/x serving advocacy groups -- we write to urge public investment in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure for cars, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and other light-duty EVs that will effectively address the inequitable access and other challenges faced by Latino/a/x and environmental justice communities.
 
Today, we are at a critical nexus for clean transportation policy: EVs offer the potential to greatly reduce air pollution from transportation and to transform our transportation landscape.  Clean and equitable transportation infrastructure offers huge potential to significantly improve health and wellbeing for all people, with particular positive impact in Latino/a/x and other communities of color who bear the brunt of emissions effects.
 
We are confident that you agree that expanding and equitizing access to EV infrastructure is crucial to end dependence on Greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting vehicles, and vital for creating a cleaner and more resilient future for all.
 
Therefore, we propose the following legislative actions:

>> Eradicate “charging deserts” by expanding and equitizing access to EV infrastructure. Equity must be central to EV infrastructure planning and how underserved communities can best be served. “Charging deserts” are a significant barrier to EV adoption. Policies requiring EV chargers in new multifamily housing and that mandate better access to free or low-cost public charging stations are crucial to eliminating charging deserts. We call for the development of binding requirements for rolling out public charging stations across the US. Expanding access to EV infrastructure is key for ending reliance on GHG emission vehicles and for enabling Latino/a/x communities to take part and benefit as we transition toward an EV future for all.  

>>Establish new programs for purchasing EVs that enable them to become accessible and available for all, including for buyers of used cars and people with less than stellar credit. Today, the vast majority of purchase incentives for EVs are only applicable to new vehicles. This excludes the majority of car buyers. (For example, in the state of Washington, new cars make up fewer than 5% of registered vehicles every year.) While new EVs are now approaching comparable price to new gas-powered cars, they remain out of reach to most people. Purchasing used EVs and plug-in hybrids can be a more economical alternative for consumers, and aligning incentives to match that option would broaden access.

Lack of capital or access to credit products, tenuous legal immigration status, and other socioeconomic challenges all contribute to mobility challenges for Latino/a/xs, especially in car dependent communities. Even in car insurance rates, there are disparities: Latino/a/xs spend 26 percent more than non-Hispanic whites to insure a single vehicle, according to a study by the Consumer Federation of America.  

>>Create education and information campaigns about EVs and charging infrastructure. Public education and information campaigns are integral to the successful adoption of EVs. Evidence shows that many Americans are eager to transition to EVs and participate in a clean energy economy. In a recent nationally representative consumer survey, 71 percent of drivers surveyed said they were interested in getting an electric car. But 48 percent said that lack of access to public charging infrastructure was holding them back, and 43 percent cited vehicle cost as a disincentive. This Congress can support all consumers in making the best choices for them by creating and sharing up-to-date information in accessible language (and in multiple languages) on how to access EV charging infrastructure.

Each of these actions is crucial to equitize the transportation landscape, by improving access to diverse modes of transportation and reducing pollution burdens for Latino/a/x communities. Data shows that Latino/a/xs urgently want to see policy action in the realm of clean transportation: 85 percent of Latino/a/x voters believe it is important to reduce smog and air pollution and want to see government action on this issue.
We urge this Congress to consider the priorities outlined here as you fulfill your promises to address environmental injustice, and look forward to working with you to create cleaner, stronger transportation futures for Latino/a/x and all communities.


Sincerely,

/ undersigned individuals /