MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address highlighting the historic legislation he signed into law last month, Senate Bill 791 and Senate Bill 792, now 2023 Wisconsin Acts 121 and 122, respectively, enabling the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to receive and administer more than $78 million in federal funds under President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bolster the state’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. More information about the two bills the governor signed is available here.

Audio File to Radio Address.

Hey there, Wisconsin. Governor Tony Evers here.

Expanding EVs and EV charging infrastructure is a central part of our work to compete in the 21st Century and to build the sort of future we want to see for our state, one that is cleaner and more sustainable.

That’s why I was glad that the Legislature sent Senate Bills 791 and 792 to my desk.

These bills will provide important clarity on the future of EV infrastructure in Wisconsin and will allow Wisconsin DOT to receive and administer more than $78 million in federal funds under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

These funds will help us make significant progress towards bolstering EV infrastructure across the state, ensuring charging is quicker and easier and charging stations are available to support drivers. 

And I was glad to sign these two bills to build on my administration’s efforts to build a strong clean energy economy from establishing our Task Force on Climate Change in 2019 to releasing the state’s first-ever Clean Energy Plan.

Folks, I’ve always said that we don’t have to choose between mitigating climate change and protecting our environment and good-paying jobs and economic development—we can do both and we are doing both.

Wisconsin has the potential to emerge as a worldwide player in the manufacturing of EVs and related equipment, as we’ve already seen a local charging station manufacturer expand their plant and create new jobs right here in Wisconsin.

The bills I signed will help make sure that we are in the driver’s seat, not lagging behind, in building the 21st-century infrastructure we need and deserve.

Thank you.