Bill Overview
Title: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure for Farmers Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to provide financial assistance under the Rural Energy for America Program for electric vehicle supply equipment (e.g., power outlets) for light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles.
Sponsors: Rep. Spanberger, Abigail Davis [D-VA-7]
Target Audience
Population: Farmers and agricultural workers globally
Estimated Size: 2600000
- The bill specifically targets the agricultural sector by providing financial assistance under the Rural Energy for America Program.
- It aims to support the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment for various types of vehicles, including light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles.
- Farmers and agricultural workers located in rural areas would be the primary beneficiaries.
- Electrical vehicle manufacturers and charging infrastructure companies may see increased demand for products and services.
- Rural communities might experience increased accessibility and sustainability benefits from the expanded use of electric vehicles.
Reasoning
- The main focus of this policy is to enhance electric vehicle infrastructure for farmers, who are primarily located in rural areas. Considering the budget constraints, not all farmers will experience direct coverage, but the policy aims to initiate significant initial progress.
- The budget limits suggest a phased approach to infrastructure deployment, with initial high-impact projects that show the benefit of the policy. Thus, more farmers might be impacted over time as infrastructure matures and the budget scales.
- We include a range of individuals from farmers who might directly benefit to those who work in related agricultural services and infrastructure, and some who may not directly benefit but might experience indirect impacts (e.g., increased accessibility in rural areas).
- Additionally, because electric vehicle adoption is still emerging in rural areas, the Cantril scores might shift more evidently over a longer timeline as benefits of infrastructure become apparent and adoption picks up.
Simulated Interviews
Corn Farmer (Iowa)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy sounds promising since it aligns with my interest in sustainable farming.
- Installing electric charging would lower my fuel costs significantly over long term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Rural Auto Mechanic (Kansas)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this act could increase my business if more people adopt electric vehicles.
- There's a learning curve but it's an exciting challenge.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cattle Rancher (Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Unsure if electric vehicles are viable for my needs given heavy towing requirements.
- Could reduce operational costs but infrastructural uncertainty is a barrier.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Soybean Farmer (Nebraska)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am enthusiastic about new technological adoption, and this policy would help integrate electric tech into daily farm operations.
- The financial assistance is crucial; otherwise, transition is financially unattainable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Vineyard Owner (California)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Charging infrastructure fits our green initiative well.
- Could make vehicle maintenance and transport more sustainable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Soybean Processor (North Dakota)
Age: 33 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Could benefit indirectly from sustainable supply chains but unsure about immediate effects.
- Awareness in rural scale businesses is slowly building but infrastructural access is key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Lentil Grower (Montana)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the initial financial layout is concerning, long-term benefits seem appealing.
- Switching to electric could aid in sustainability branding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Organic Vegetable Farmer (Georgia)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see great value in electrification for my small fleet to align with organic practices.
- I hope the funding reaches smaller farmers like me soon.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
University Researcher in Sustainable Agriculture (Ohio)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Supports policy's potential to drive rural development and innovation in electric tech.
- Research opportunities could increase in collaboration with policy beneficiaries.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Farmer (Wyoming)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone retired, my involvement is limited but supporting future generations is key.
- Promotes a stronger, greener community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $225000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $250000000)
Year 2: $175000000 (Low: $160000000, High: $190000000)
Year 3: $150000000 (Low: $135000000, High: $165000000)
Year 5: $125000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $140000000)
Year 10: $100000000 (Low: $85000000, High: $115000000)
Year 100: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Key Considerations
- The effectiveness of the program in increasing electric vehicle adoption among farmers will depend on several factors including market conditions and advances in vehicle and battery technologies.
- Regional differences in infrastructure readiness and the existing use of electric vehicles may affect program outcomes.
- Environmental benefits from reduced emissions will depend on the scale of transition from fossil fuels to electric vehicles.