VA Redirects $77M From Biden-Era EV Mandate to Veteran Health Projects

The Department of Veterans Affairs has shifted approximately $77 million in federal funding that was initially designated for electric vehicle charging stations to enhancements at medical facilities, as VA officials confirmed on Wednesday that the Biden-era mandate led to no construction progress.

A total of $163.49 million has been allocated by a Congress led by Democrats in the 2023 fiscal year budget, aimed at supporting minor construction projects and the establishment of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure at VA campuses. However, the VA reported that no EV charging stations were constructed, and no funds were allocated for the initiative.

On November 6, during the recent government shutdown, VA Secretary Doug Collins approved the reallocation, directing the funds back to the department’s construction and technology budget. Collins stated that the choice underscores his commitment to directing resources straight to the care of veterans.

“Under Joe Biden’s leadership, the department was sidetracked by progressive social initiatives and questionable green-energy projects, but those times are now behind us,” Collins stated in a written statement. “The VA is dedicated to supporting veterans, and we are committed to ensuring that all our resources are directed toward that important mission.”

The department has reported that over $40 million of the redirected funds has been earmarked for enhancements at three VA locations, with further allocations potentially on the horizon. The VA representative informed Military.com that they may establish additional facilities as needs emerge. 

The three funded projects include:

• $10 million to upgrade the Friendship House's compensated work therapy residence in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
  
  
• $21.3 million to expand and renovate the MRI ward at the Providence VA Medical Center in Rhode Island.
  
  
• $13.8 million to modernize the radiation oncology unit at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.
  
  

Support for the EV funds began with President Joe Biden's plan to build 500,000 public charging stations across the country by 2030. Biden first talked about this plan during his 2019 presidential campaign, and Pete Buttigieg, who was Transportation Secretary at the time, later led the charge to support it. People in politics often said negative things about the plan. During the 2024 campaign, Donald Trump called it a "crazy electric Band-Aid."

VA officials would not say why no charging stations were built as required by the original plan, but they did say that the budget reallocation fits with what Collins called "essential veteran care priorities."

As the VA looks at what other infrastructure needs there are, more information about the leftover unallocated funds should become available.

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