JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Under a bill Missouri Gov. Mike Parson plans to sign into law Tuesday, local cities and counties will not be allowed to require businesses, churches or organizations to install a designated number of electric vehicle charging stations to any new parking lot they pave.
The bill, HB 2062, was filed after St. Louis County imposed a new ordinance requiring EV charging stations be installed in any new parking lot containing greater than 30 spaces.
The bill does clarify that it’s in no way a ban on the private installation of EV charging stations.
“Nothing in this section shall prohibit a business owner or property owner from paying for the installation, maintenance, or operation of an electric vehicle charging station,” the bill states.
While significant pushback to the idea of government mandates to install EV infrastructure, energy companies continue to invest in the growth of the technology independently.
“Specifically within this past year, we’ve received a lot of engagement from our local business customers that are wanting to learn more about it, either to meet sustainability goals within their organization or just meet the needs of their customers that are coming to their businesses,” said Sacoyya Davis, the efficient electrification program manager for Ameren Missouri.
Davis said most energy providers recognize the growth in EV demand and appear to be investing in kind, even without a mandate from local governments or even an incentive.
“Number one, it’s an opportunity to attract new customers to your facility,” Davis said. “Two, there’s also an opportunity to bring in an additional revenue stream, because there could you may decide to have a fee assess for drivers using the charging equipment.
“And then three, I think, which is most importantly -- is that you’re creating a cleaner environment, you know, for the community that you’re living in, for those customers that are coming to your business. So it’s a win-win for everyone that’s involved.”
The bill also places limits on local government’s ability to regulate chicken pasturing, home inspections before a sale and rental evictions.