Electric vehicles and job growth go hand in hand

Connecticut is missing an opportunity to have cleaner air and new jobs. We could have cleaner air and new jobs if we encouraged the sale and use of electric vehicles. There are only about 14,000 EVs on the roads in Connecticut today because, surprisingly, our laws discourage their sale. If we modernize the way Connecticut consumers buy EVs and promote their use, we can clean our air, save money and create jobs.

Because transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in our state, Connecticut signed the State Zero-Emission Vehicle Programs Memorandum of Understanding with most neighboring states. The agreement pledges Connecticut to promote EVs to fight climate change, clean our air, help save consumers money and promote economic growth. Now, for our own best interest, we must live up to that agreement.

While Connecticut has stalled direct sales of EVs, other states have benefited from EV-driven economic growth. In the last six years, IBEW electricians have earned more than $200 million on Tesla projects building out the charging stations, switches and wiring, needed to keep a growing fleet of electric vehicles moving. With an additional $200 million-plus for our members in the works around the country, removing unnecessary roadblocks to sales of EVs in Connecticut should be a top priority for the Legislature.

I urge members of the General Assembly to support Senate Bill 127, which would permit direct-to-consumer sales of Electric Vehicles by manufacturers like Tesla and Rivian. If SB 127 is passed, there will be more EVs on the road, we will reduce pollution and greenhouse gases, and we will put our IBEW neighbors to work. Passage will be the catalyst of enormous opportunity for IBEW and our partner, the National Electrical Contractors Association, which represents Connecticut electrical contractors.

Connecticut’s automobile franchise law was enacted in the mid-20th century for a good reason, but the world has changed since then, and Connecticut must adapt or be left behind. Some have claimed that allowing EV manufacturers the right to offer direct-to-consumer sales will lead to job losses. My job is to help create jobs, and I would never suggest legislation to the contrary. In the many states where Tesla is sold directly to consumers, dealership job growth has trended above the national average.

IBEW has been hard at work fighting for renewable energy. We have fought for wind, solar, geothermal, fuel cells, EVs and a smart grid. I applaud the governor and state legislators like Sen. Will Haskell, who join us in our fight for renewable energy and remind everyone that IBEW members are ready, willing and able to build them. Building our new renewable energy future with the IBEW and the state building trades will ensure the job is done on time, on budget, with local workers.

Passing SB 127 will make EV purchasing safer and more accessible for Connecticut residents, but it will meet our environmental commitments to future generations. EV freedom and economic growth go hand in hand.