In another recent article, I discussed an innovative initiative in Washington (the state, not the district) to gather suggestions from the public on where EV charging stations are needed. In that case, they put up an interactive map where people could not only suggest new locations, but could “heart” other people’s suggestions so officials could know which locations were the most popular.
When I looked at this interactive map, I could see that even in just one state, they got quite a few ideas from people. EV enthusiasts are the pioneers of a new technology, and many of us know far more about electric vehicles than most government officials and lawmakers. Government officials who know they do not know everything and seek knowledge from people who know better do the right thing.
While not having the taste of Washington’s interactive map, it seems like the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has cut people who run it from the same clever rag that knows the value of civic input on this issue.
“ADOT will seek input from the public and a wide range of agency and industry stakeholders during the preparation of the plan.” the agency’s website says. “Public outreach will include surveys and online and in-person public meetings. As the initial plan will be a high level, additional public input will take place after the submission of the plan to work out the details of implementation. ”
While the agency is not collecting ideas today, they are trying to get people on a mailing list and fill out a short survey that will end up in the database. This way, once they get to the point where they ask for specific data, they will be able to use a pool of knowledgeable people to get valuable input. In some ways, this is a smart approach, because only people who care enough about EVs to spend time filling out the form will fill out the form. So, the pool of people on the list will have more valuable input to give them.
While many people think of Arizona as a “Wild West” red state, they have actually been pretty cool about electric and other alternative fuel vehicles over the years. For decades, people who use a vehicle that runs on something other than petrol could get a special “blue sky” number plate and not have to pay any tax on the purchase. Registration fees were also much cheaper until recently and people with the plate had access to HOV tracks. Thus, Arizona already has a much larger EV fleet than most Republican-controlled states.
Seeing how they continue to take a proactive approach and try to get the most for the federal money they will receive from the Infrastructure Bill is a good sign that it will continue.
Arizona’s Load Corridor Map. See the full PDF here.
Moreover, they seem more committed to the rural areas than some other states. Seeing that they are going to put in work to put more stations along Interstate 17, where there is a very steep climb that leaves hell the Phoenix metro area, is going to be extremely useful for EV drivers, especially those pulling trailers. The Williams I-40 stretch to the California State Line can also use a lot of love, and their map includes that stretch.
Featured image and gait map provided by Arizona DOT (ADOT).
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