The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), responsible for managing federal office buildings, made a drastic decision recently. Just 18 months ago, the GSA was proud of its efforts to transition more vehicles to electric power. However, a recent memo circulated within the government revealed that all electric vehicle (EV) chargers on federal properties will be shut down.
The memo instructed federal workers to start shutting down the chargers as soon as next week. This surprising news was first reported by Colorado Public Radio and corroborated by The Verge. The memo stated that GSA-owned charging stations are deemed non-mission-critical, aligning with current administration directives.
As a result of this decision, several pages on the GSA website related to EV chargers and fleet electrification efforts are now offline. The move to shut down the chargers may be linked to broader efforts to reduce the federal workforce and cut costs associated with federal properties.
President Trump’s administration, despite his campaign support for electric cars, has taken actions contrary to his initial promises. His executive orders have halted federal EV fast-charging funding and targeted an end to EV tax credits. The GSA was tasked with transitioning government vehicles to zero-emission models by 2027, a goal that may now be challenging to achieve due to limited affordable EV options on the market.
The decision to shut down EV chargers on federal properties will impact government-owned electric vehicles’ operations and potentially increase costs if a switch back to gas-powered vehicles occurs. The Trump administration’s ties to fossil fuel interests and its push for increased drilling rights on public lands further highlight its stance against clean technology.
While the rest of the world embraces clean energy solutions, the Trump administration continues to prioritize fossil fuels. This decision to shut down EV chargers reflects a broader shift away from sustainable practices in the federal government.
In conclusion, the decision to shut down all EV chargers on federal properties marks a significant step backward in the government’s efforts to promote clean transportation. The impact of this decision on the environment, government operations, and taxpayer costs remains to be seen.