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Date: 2/16/2022
WESTERN MASS. – The Baker-Polito administration has recently awarded over $13 million for new electric vehicle fast-charging stations across the commonwealth. Several Western Massachusetts towns such as Chicopee, Holyoke, Westfield and West Springfield were among those selected to receive funds.
“We’re very pleased with the grant funding that will pay for vehicle fast-charging stations in Holyoke. As the commonwealth of Massachusetts works to reduce the state’s carbon footprint, Holyoke is eager to meet what surely will be a growing demand for such stations. It’s good for the environment and it’s good for business,” Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia said.
According to state Sen. John Velis, these charging stations are a big step forward in helping the environment and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
“The transportation sector continues to account for more than 40 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts. If we want to be serious about reducing our emissions, we need to be serious about our investments in electric vehicles. More and more folks in Western Mass. are switching over to these types of cars and these new charging ports will help electric vehicles continue to become more viable in our region,” said Velis in a statement to Reminder Publishing.
The Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) will install 306 Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) electric vehicle charging stations at 150 locations across the state.
This program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), will cover 100 percent of the eligible cost to acquire and install these stations at government-owned properties and 80 percent at all other locations.
MassDEP works to protect and enhance the commonwealth’s natural resources of air, water and land to continue to provide for the health and safety of Massachusetts residents. Their efforts to keep the environment clean and green are necessary and ongoing, as recognized by Gov. Charlie Baker.
“Our administration understands the importance of reliable infrastructure supporting the commonwealth’s energy future. Today’s announcement is a step towards the increased deployment of these clean vehicles, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and public health, enhance energy diversity and promote economic growth,” said Baker.