HB 86: Preventing Local Control on EVs version 2.0 — 2025
ICL's position: Oppose
Current Bill Status: House Committee
Issue Areas: Clean Air, Clean Energy, Clean Water
Introduced by Rep. Joe Palmer (R-Meridian), House Bill 86 would prohibit any requirements by cities or counties requiring Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure when new homes, buildings, or parkings lots are constructed. This takes authority away from mayors, county commissioners, and other elected officials. The bill replaces House Bill 18, and the new bill clarifies that it applies to electrical conduits as well.
While building homes to standard may cost a few more dollars upfront, these regulations save Idaho homeowners thousands of dollars, easily paying off the initial investment and resulting in significant savings over the life of the home. Adopting new technologies into our planning codes ensures that new buildings are using modern construction practices that save homeowners money and prepare Idaho to benefit from new technology, all while protecting our clean air and water.
Background
Rep. Palmer and some others in the statehouse have long opposed many planning and zoning rules. In addition, they’ve opposed efforts to expand infrastructure for EVs, despite the fact that these low emissions vehicles are a growing share of the vehicle market, and are increasingly affordable to consumers.
While currently only a few municipalities require EV hookups in new homes, parking lots, and garages, the legislation won’t impact many Idahoans today. But as EVs grow in popularity, it will be much more expensive to retrofit these homes and businesses after the concrete is poured. According to estimates, installation of the conduits for EV charging cost only a few hundred dollars at the time of construction, compared to $7,000+ if you need to retrofit.
Finally, Idaho doesn’t produce a single gallon of oil or gas, but we do produce a lot of electricity. Idahoans spends $3 billion/year on gasoline. All those profits are exported out of state, and usually out of the country. If we were able to produce all of our own fuel (i.e. electricity), imagine what an additional $3 billion would mean circulating in Idaho’s economy!