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An Act To Expand the Availability of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Maine
 
CONCEPT DRAFT SUMMARY
This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.
This bill proposes to establish a program to support the installation throughout the State of publicly accessible universally compatible electric vehicle charging stations. Under the program:
1. An entity doing business in the State would be able to apply for a grant to be used to install a charging station by submitting an application;
2. Applicants would be selected based on preferential criteria, including:
A. The ability of the applicant to make the charging station available to the public for use 24 hours per day and 7 days per week;
B. The absence of other available charging stations in or near the area in which the proposed charging station will be located;
C. The relative safety of the proposed location of the charging station, including the presence of lighting or shelter;
D. The willingness of the applicant to contribute the applicant's own funds to help maintain and operate the charging station;
E. The location of the proposed charging station in relation to important regional attractions, events, facilities, transportation corridors, major thoroughfares and high-traffic areas; and
F. The proximity of dining, lodging, retail and entertainment opportunities within walking distance of the proposed charging station;
3. A recipient of a grant would be required to commit to:
A. Making the charging station accessible and available for use by the public; and
B. Maintaining and operating the charging station; and
4. Funds would be provided by several sources. It is intended that the program be included in the State's beneficiary mitigation plan to receive trust funds pursuant to the Volkswagen Partial Consent Decree, which settles portions of the multidistrict litigation concerning certain Volkswagen diesel engines. In addition, private funding that is designed to leverage other funds would make up a part of the program funding.