H.R.1052 - Undoing Nationwide Programs and Limiting Unnecessary Grants for Electric Vehicles Act; UNPLUG EVs Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1052, also known as the UNPLUG EVs Act, seeks to rescind unobligated balances related to charging and fueling grants, as well as national electric vehicle grants. The bill directs that these rescinded funds be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury for deficit reduction. It targets funds appropriated under section 151(f) of title 23, United States Code, and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would halt the flow of federal funds to electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects. This would likely slow the expansion of EV infrastructure across the country. The deficit would be reduced by an unknown amount.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in the national debt due to funds being redirected to deficit reduction.
- Taxpayers may benefit from reduced government spending on EV infrastructure if they oppose such spending.
- Could lead to a greater reliance on market-driven solutions for EV infrastructure development.
- May free up resources for other government priorities if deemed more pressing.
- Could reduce potential government overreach in the energy sector.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Slower development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, potentially hindering the adoption of EVs.
- Reduced incentives for consumers to switch to electric vehicles.
- Potential negative impact on efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
- Job losses in the EV infrastructure development and installation sectors.
- Could disproportionately affect rural and underserved communities that rely on government funding for EV infrastructure.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to collect taxes and appropriate funds for the general welfare. The decision to rescind previously allocated funds and redirect them towards deficit reduction falls within Congress's purview of fiscal policy. However, the Constitution does not explicitly address specific energy policies or infrastructure projects, leaving these matters to legislative discretion.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).