Denise Abdul-Rahman: Indiana EV infrastructure must be racially equitable
The rapid acceleration of electric vehicle adoption in Indiana comes with the risk of leaving historically disadvantaged communities behind if charging infrastructure isn’t adequately expanded and allocated.
Indiana’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is necessary and welcome, but it cannot be done equitably if the voices of those most affected are ignored. Sadly, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) appears intent on perpetuating racial disparities in the state’s clean energy future.
A recently scheduled public meeting about Indiana’s National Electric Vehicle Implementation (NEVI) plan is a prime example. This important discussion about the rollout of EV charging infrastructure was held in the middle of the work day, effectively shutting out a vast swath of Indiana residents, specifically those who work hourly jobs with inflexible schedules.
This isn’t the first time INDOT has dismissed the needs of communities of color and minimized the Justice 40 Guidance. According to the White House, this guidance sets a goal that “40% of overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.”
Throughout the EV planning process, INDOT has displayed a disturbing pattern of overlooking or discounting racially inclusive engagement.
The Indiana Alliance for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities — a coalition of more than 25 statewide, Black-led organizations, businesses, and faith-based groups, facilitated by the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP — developed a six-point plan for INDOT and other state leaders to consider during the NEVI planning process.
These commitments were dismissed wholesale by INDOT, and this marginalization pattern cannot continue.
Indiana’s EV transition offers an opportunity to provide environmental and economic benefits to communities of color, but that can’t happen if those communities aren’t at the decision-making table.
Our plan provides strategies for increasing access, eliminating mobility insecurity, and reknitting communities fragmented and isolated by highways and rail with an equity-driven lens for infrastructure investment.
There must be racial equity in all aspects of Indiana’s NEVI planning process. INDOT must ensure they act equitably and recognize the disparate impact of climate change on communities of color. We need honest and courageous conversations that acknowledge current and historical injustices to ensure meaningful changes that promote equity in transportation infrastructure.
Denise Abdul-Rahman
Denise Abdul-Rahman is state chair of the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Committee. Send comments to [email protected].
