Source: US HOUSE AG COMMITTEE, 1/12/22
 
 House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott issued the following statement after today’s hearing titled Implications of Electric Vehicle Investments for Agriculture and Rural America:

“Today’s hearing was incredibly important and showcased how electric vehicle investments will impact rural America and agriculture as a whole,” said Chairman David Scott.

“I am thankful for our witnesses for their time and commitment to ensuring that rural America has a seat at the table in this conversation as more and more research and development happens. We cannot afford to have rural America left behind like they have been with electrification, broadband, and other key infrastructure investments in the past,” Chairman David Scott continued.

“As we continue to transition to clean energy, electric vehicles will play a huge role in helping mitigate climate change. I believe that this is especially true for the agriculture sector and that EV adoption has the possibility to have numerous benefits and opportunities for rural America.”

Background on Electric Vehicle Implementation in Rural America

As technology and environmental concerns have increased worldwide, countries and private companies are pouring billions of dollars of investment into EVs and the required infrastructure needed to sustain them. Yet historically, rural areas have lagged far behind in the adoption of adequate infrastructure and new technologies – clean water, electricity, telephone systems, broadband, etc.

Rural EV adoption rates today remain low – estimated at fewer than five, and in many cases zero, registered EVs per 10,000 people in the majority of non-metro counties. This is in comparison to adoption rates in metro counties which range anywhere from 10 to more than 100 registered EVs per 10,000 people. This trend extends to the state level – generally states with higher rural populations have much fewer EV registrations overall.

As local, State and Federal governments demand reduced emissions and automakers transition to EVs, buyers will have increasing opportunities to purchase these vehicles.