NEWS: Department of Natural Resources awards $1.2 million for electric vehicle chargers through Volkswagen Trust

Contact: Communications Office, 573-751-1010 communications@dnr.mo.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Department of Natural Resources awards
$1.2 million for electric vehicle chargers through Volkswagen Trust

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 7, 2022 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded approximately $1.2 million in funding through the Volkswagen Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust to construct electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state.

The department recently issued awards to the following four recipients: Francis Energy in Harrisonville, Francis Energy in Perryville, Francis Energy in Nevada and Blink Network LLC in Rolla.

A list of awardees and details about the funding program are available on the department's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure webpage at dnr.mo.gov/air/what-were-doing/volkswagen-trust-funds/electric-vehicle-charging.

“We are committed to helping communities take advantage of electric vehicle charging stations to help support the growing demand for these vehicle types, while helping to reduce emissions,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Missourians rely on essential infrastructure that protect our environment, and new electric vehicle charging stations will further increase travel options across our state.”

“We are excited about enhancing Missouri’s charging infrastructure network and partnering with stakeholders to develop a practical and efficient plan,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “The EV charging installations are making it possible for electric vehicle owners to travel across Missouri, using the new charging services along the way.”

In 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency filed a complaint alleging Volkswagen had violated the Clean Air Act with the sale of 2009-2016 motor vehicles equipped with emissions “defeat devices.” These devices allowed the vehicles to perform differently during normal vehicle operation than during emissions tests. This meant the vehicles exceeded EPA’s compliance levels of nitrogen oxide (NOX) during normal use. Volkswagen agreed to settle some of the allegations by creating an Environmental Mitigation Trust to fund strategies that will reduce NOX emissions.

Missouri received approximately $41 million in trust funds for mitigation projects. With stakeholder support, the department dedicated approximately $6 million (15%) of Missouri’s allocation to creating a network of electric vehicle charging stations.

With a goal of making Missouri highways friendlier for electric vehicle owners, the department held a series of meetings with a citizen stakeholder group. During the meetings, stakeholders helped identify 13 viable charging station sites across the state near highway intersections. Together with more than 30 other installations planned by utilities, these 13 sites would comprise a minimum practical charging network statewide.

The department accepted applications from local governments and businesses located near the specified highway intersections. An impartial scoring committee then evaluated the applications on technical aspects of the proposed project and relevant business experience. Of the seven applications received during this second funding period, the department awarded the remaining four sites, fulfilling the 13-site plan.

The department is reconvening the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure workgroup to develop the plan for the remaining $3 million available for EV Infrastructure. This workgroup will advise the department on aspects such as the type of charging equipment (level/speed), site locations and other important factors for the next phase of funding.

For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources Air Pollution Control Program at MOVWTeam@dnr.mo.gov.

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