Congressman Tony Wied of DePere, representing the Eighth District, has introduced legislation that jeopardizes $55 million in federal funds to Wisconsin from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021.
These funds are meant to help create Electric Vehicle (EV) fast charging stations as part of a planned statewide corridor system. As a state we are playing catchup with our neighboring states and are at risk of losing tourist dollars from EV travelers hesitating to visit northern Wisconsin.
We are competing with China that has seen in 2024 over 50% of its new vehicles manufactured to be electric, with nearly a 40% growth over 2023. They have gotten there with heavy investment by their government in charging stations and in manufacturing. They are now reaping the benefits in the global economy with more than 60% of the world’s electric car sales.
Congressman Wied admits the future of transportation is electric vehicles. If we want a preferred future, we best invest now towards that future before our climate gets much worse and we lose our chance to compete in a world clean energy economy. Representative Wied says, “I was sent to Washington by the people of Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District with a clear mission: to reduce wasteful government spending and to get our fiscal house in order.” I think he was sent to make the cost of living and life better in our district rather than funnel our money to the rich and infamous.
Interestingly, the Tesla Supercharger network – led by Elon Musk who is also in charge of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency – has received about $31 million in awards through the program that is halted. Tesla is likely to benefit from this halt since their competitors may receive fewer funds.
The big strategic picture here is to electrify everything and continue to clean up how we make that electricity. Our lives will be better with this future pathway on every account with the exception of the fossil fuel infrastructure which has helped bring wealth and prosperity to our civilization but is quickly becoming outdated.
John Hermanson
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
