DeSantis underscores electric vehicles and infrastructure as priority one for Volkswagen settlement

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis spoke at Florida’s Turnpike Headquarters about the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) draft plan of the Volkswagen (VW) Settlement and underscored the great need for Florida to advance electric vehicles (EVs) including expanding electric vehicle charging station infrastructure.  

“We welcome Governor DeSantis’ support for the Volkswagen (VW) settlement funds to expand electric vehicles in Florida and we will work hard to ensure the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s final plan puts electric vehicles front and center because electrification of transportation is the future for Florida,” said Dory Larsen, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s (SACE) Electric Vehicle Program Coordinator.

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy promotes the electrification of the transportation system. Electric Vehicles are key to reducing carbon emissions that cause climate change, and they also protect public health, reduce the need for offshore drilling, and save Florida drivers money. Electric (transit and school) buses have tremendous cost savings because of their significant lower total cost to own which includes lower fuel and maintenance costs. Additionally, electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions and therefore do not significantly contribute to carbon emissions pollution, making them a win for public health, consumers’ wallets and the environment. 

“We applaud that Governor DeSantis is leading the way to electrification in Florida,” said Larsen.  

SACE will continue to track DEP’s plan. Public comment can be made here and is due to DEP by Aug 16th. 

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Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1985, that promotes responsible energy choices to ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org.

Electrify the South is a Southern Alliance for Clean Energy campaign that  offers education and resources to empower individuals and communities to transition to clean, electric transportation throughout the Southeast. The Driving on Sunshine electric vehicle roadshow is a newly launched component of this work. Learn more at www.electrifythesouth.org.