Boosting its green credentials and facilitating a shift towards sustainable transportation in the Valley, the Maricopa County Air Quality Department is getting a significant leg-up. A cool $15 million federal grant will see electric vehicle (EV) charging stations popping up across Maricopa County. This cash infusion, courtesy of the Federal Highway Administration, is earmarked for the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Improvement Project—especially benefitting those areas within the Federal Justice40 initiative ambit.
Chairman Jack Sellers of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, District 1, believes in the transformative power of electric vehicles, not just for the economy, but also for maintaining the metro area's air quality. "I believe increasing the number of EV charging stations in our region is a necessary step for our future and that investments in transportation infrastructure, in general, are the key to continuing our economic growth," Chairman Sellers told Maricopa County's official website, having been awarded the grant without burdening the local taxpayers, as noted by Supervisor Bill Gates, District 3.
The move is poised to make Maricopa a leading example in incorporating electric vehicles within a regional fleet. More charging stations are envisioned to not only boost the EV infrastructure but to also slash emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The ultimate goal, to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, set by the EPA. "We are thrilled to receive this grant funding, which will provide the means to enhance the EV infrastructure in Maricopa County, making it easier for residents and visitors to transition to clean transportation options," stated Philip McNeely, MCAQD Director, in a statement obtained by Maricopa County's official website.
Yet, the project is not solely about hardware; there's a heavy dose of education on the menu too. The initiative isn't stopping at just installing charging stations; a comprehensive outreach program is also on the charging block. By promoting the EV gospel through community meetings, educational outreach, and employer partnerships, particularly those participating in the County's Travel Reduction Program, MCAQD aims to spark a county-wide conversation about clean transport.
For anyone looking to quickly navigate to the nuts and bolts of Maricopa County's air quality efforts and resources, the MCAQD website should be your first stop. And for real-time air quality alerts and a breath of fresh digital air, don't forget to download the Clean Air app, available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Follow the journey towards clearer skies on Instagram, Facebook, Nextdoor, and LinkedIn too.
