Sierra Club asks lawmakers for bigger EV incentives, more transit funding and safer active‑transport infrastructure

Rob Kidd, staff director for the Vermont chapter of the Sierra Club, testified to the House Transportation Committee on Feb. 6, urging lawmakers to expand electric‑vehicle incentives, shore up sustainable funding for transit, and invest in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure as part of an equity‑focused transportation strategy.

Kidd told the committee he supports programs that make electrification affordable for lower‑income Vermonters and highlighted the state’s existing initiatives, such as the MyRide/MyEV incentive programs (discussed in committee testimony), as mechanisms that improve access. “We need to expand transit. We need to expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and we need to rapidly electrify,” Kidd said, adding that life‑cycle ownership costs for electric vehicles are lower and that transitioning keeps more energy dollars in‑state.

Why it matters: Kidd framed the policy case as both climate and public‑health policy — reduced tailpipe pollution lowers respiratory harms — and as an economic argument about keeping energy dollars circulating locally. He also pushed for policy fixes aimed at renter and multi‑unit dwelling access to charging and recommended revisiting prior studies on increasing transit ridership.

Testimony highlights and policy requests - EV incentives and equitable access: Kidd urged continued and sustainable funding for EV incentive programs that lower the upfront cost barrier for lower‑income households and recommended consideration of RGGI or other sources as part of a funding mix. He told members the MileageSmart/MyEV incentives have helped some lower‑income Vermonters access EVs. - Charge‑access and multi‑unit dwellings: Kidd recommended support for policies that make it easier for condominium owners, renters and multi‑unit dwellings to install charging (right‑to‑charge concepts were referenced), and suggested incentives or technical assistance for landlords and building owners. - Transit funding and innovation grants: Kidd said Vermont should sustain and grow support for public transit providers and for mobility innovation grants (e.g., microtransit pilots) so rural and small‑city providers can test flexible models. He asked the committee to revisit a 2019 study the agency completed on increasing transit ridership and to consider fare policies and route design that can boost usage. - Active transportation and safety: Kidd urged more investment in separated bicycle corridors where feasible, referenced the Memorial Valley Rail Trail as a successful model, and noted the recently enacted 4‑foot safe‑passing law. He recommended pilot projects, stakeholder processes, and public awareness campaigns to improve safety and visibility. - Battery lifecycle and mining concerns: In response to a question about global battery supply chains, Kidd said battery mining has known harms but noted industry and federal incentives (including IRA incentives) are opening reuse, recycling and domestic processing options. He recommended state incentives and programs that support reuse and recycling of EV batteries.

Lawmakers asked follow‑up questions about Quebec electricity tariffs, grid sourcing and charging costs; Kidd said Vermont’s grid and in‑state energy investments affect how much value remains local when transportation electrifies and offered to provide comparative data and sources the Sierra Club uses on local economic impacts.

Ending Kidd offered continued assistance and indicated the Sierra Club can provide technical witnesses and references on EV charge‑access policies, battery reuse, mobility innovation grants and active transportation case studies. The committee recessed to the next agenda item.