The City of Brighton is making headway into a more eco-friendly future, having been awarded the Charging Smart Bronze Designation for its efforts to advance electric vehicle (EV) usage and infrastructure, according to an announcement made by the city. In a move that underscores the city’s commitment to sustainability and economic development, Brighton was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for adopting best practices that will help accelerate the deployment of EVs within the local community.
As reported by the City of Brighton, Traci McLean, Brighton's sustainability coordinator, expressed pride in the achievement, saying, "Achieving the Bronze designation through the Charging Smart program is a proud moment for Brighton, and it’s the result of dedicated, collaborative work across our city." Adding that over the last year, there has been closely coordinated work among various city departments to simplify the installation of EV charging stations and to engage the community around the topic of clean transportation, the acknowledgment by Charging Smart is seen as a catalyst for building upon sustainable initiatives in Brighton.
This initiative is part of a larger partnership led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and Drive Clean Colorado, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office. By assisting Brighton at no cost with technical expertise, Charging Smart has directly contributed to the city's understanding and facilitation of EV infrastructure, an essential step for Brighton's clean energy journey.
To earn this distinction, Brighton undertook a thorough review of its zoning laws to identify and eliminate barriers to EV infrastructure, and according to the City of Brighton, they adopted a standardized process for EV charging permits and engaged with the local utility company about potential collaboration around EV adoption, Brighton's efforts are making the process of installing EV infrastructure faster, easier, and more cost-efficient, not only for residents but also for businesses and nonprofit organizations in the area.
