Delaware’s investment, supported by the Biden Administration, will improve air quality and expand zero-emission infrastructure along a critical transportation corridor.
The EPA and Delaware celebrated a $14.3 million grant on October 10, 2024, to advance clean transportation by expanding EV charging stations along I-95. The funding, part of the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, will support medium and heavy-duty EV charging infrastructure. This initiative is a key element of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Delaware’s efforts are part of the broader Clean Corridor Coalition, a multi-state project that extends from Connecticut to Maryland. Supported by over $250 million in funding, this initiative aims to establish EV infrastructure for medium—and heavy-duty freight trucks, drastically reducing the need for gasoline and diesel fuel. The project promises to improve air quality and foster sustainable freight transport by decreasing emissions across one of the country’s busiest corridors.
Adam Ortiz, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator, described the project as a “critical down payment” on zero-emission freight transportation. The initiative will include constructing 20 truck charging sites, with nearly 150 overnight charging ports and more than 300 fast chargers, to support EV adoption along the I-95 corridor. It also includes workforce development efforts, with plans to train 400 individuals from low-income and disadvantaged communities in building and maintaining this infrastructure.
U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, highlighted the project’s multifaceted benefits. “The transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in clean energy and reducing tailpipe emissions, we can improve air quality across the entire region,” said Carper.
Delaware Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski underscored the initiative’s dual benefits. "This grant helps us advance clean transportation solutions while addressing the needs of industries we rely on," she stated. By deploying charging infrastructure along the corridor, Delaware improves environmental conditions and supports the freight industry.
A key component of the Coalition is the emphasis on workforce development. The program aims to engage local communities by providing technical assistance, job training, and opportunities for individuals from underserved communities.
Through collaboration with neighboring states, Delaware will actively participate in establishing EV charging sites and implementing programs that prepare workers for jobs in clean energy. This initiative ensures disadvantaged communities benefit from the economic opportunities created by expanding electric vehicle infrastructure.
The EPA’s CPRG program, authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act, has committed nearly $5 billion to assist states, local governments, and tribes in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The program offers planning and implementation grants, empowering communities to create and execute robust climate action plans. Delaware’s contribution to the Clean Corridor Coalition exemplifies how federal funds can be leveraged to achieve practical and impactful climate solutions.
The development of electric vehicle infrastructure along I-95 marks the beginning of a long-term transition to cleaner, more sustainable freight transport. The Coalition’s efforts will reduce emissions, create new job opportunities, and improve the economic landscape for disadvantaged communities. Delaware’s investment in EV infrastructure is part of a broader national strategy to combat climate change while boosting local economies.
The collaboration between states in the Clean Corridor Coalition sets a precedent for how regional partnerships can drive climate action and build a sustainable future.
