SE Nebraska News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) engaged with key transportation leaders regarding the contribution of electric vehicles (EVs) to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). The HTF finances U.S. road and bridge construction and maintenance. Currently, drivers of gasoline-powered vehicles contribute through a federal gas tax, while EVs do not.

Senator Fischer highlighted that EVs, due to their large batteries, weigh more than traditional vehicles, leading to increased wear on infrastructure. She introduced the Fair SHARE Act to mandate EV contributions to the HTF.

In a discussion about this issue, Fischer expressed concern about the solvency of the HTF and its impact on national infrastructure. "Though not a silver bullet, we need to get electric vehicles paying into the fund," she stated.

Chris Spear commented on the necessity for all road users to contribute: "If you're on the roads, you're on the bridges, you should pay." He emphasized capturing developing technology like EVs in funding models.

Additionally, Mr. Pugh supported registration fees for EVs contributing to the HTF: "By all means, why shouldn't they pay? They use the highways."

The dialogue underscores ongoing legislative efforts addressing infrastructure funding challenges posed by emerging vehicle technologies.