Hurlbert Appointed to Electric Vehicle Task Force

Missouri State Representative Josh Hurlbert has been appointed to the Electric Vehicle Task Force by the Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, Rob Vescovo. Established by Senate Bill 262, the Task Force is comprised of 13 members and is tasked with analyzing the state's infrastructure and making recommendations on preparing Missouri for the wider adoption of electric vehicle technology.

Our state's economic fortunes are tied to how quickly goods can move from farm to market or through our state - Missouri State Representative Josh Hurlbert

"It is an honor to be appointed to this task force and I am looking forward towards discussing the future of transportation policy," said Hurlbert. "Missouri is a transportation nexus. Our state's economic fortunes are tied to how quickly goods can move from farm to market or through our state. How we as a state respond to the wider adoption of electric vehicles will go far in determining our state's future."

"What barriers to adoption should be mitigated or removed? How will the state respond to the additional strain on our electric grid? How will the state regulate charging stations? Missouri must be answering these questions and putting into place a framework to benefit Missourians and promote the growth of our economy."

Market forces and federal mandates have pushed consumers towards electric vehicles in recent years. The Edison Electric Institute projects that more than 20% of annual vehicle sales will be electric vehicles by 2030. GM has announced plans to only sell electric vehicles by 2035.

Clay and Platte Counties have found a niche in the growing electric vehicle manufacturing field. The only electric vehicle mass production facility in the state is located in Clay County with the assembly of the Ford E-Transit at the Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo. OrangeEV, an electric terminal truck manufacturer, is also based in the Northland with a Riverside assembly facility.

Hurlbert represents portions of Clay and Platte Counties in District 12 and was first elected in 2020. He lives in Smithville with his wife, Ashley, and two kids.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story