Summary
– Washington aims to have fast-charging electric vehicle ports every 50 miles across its road system
– Copper wire thefts have already affected newly-installed charging stations, leaving them unusable and costing taxpayers
– Metal thefts have cost the Washington State Department of Transportation $1.5 million since 2021
– The thefts pose risks to public safety and infrastructure, impacting transportation and flow of traffic
– The state is facing challenges in addressing copper wire thefts affecting critical infrastructure such as EV charging stations
Article
Washington state is working towards having fast-charging electric vehicle ports every 50 miles across its entire road system, totaling 3 million charging ports in both public and private locations. However, efforts to electrify the transportation sector are being undermined by copper wire thefts that have already impacted new charging stations, rendering them unusable and costing taxpayers money. The Washington State Department of Transportation has reported that metal theft on their properties has cost taxpayers $1.5 million since 2021, with the agency facing thefts on a daily basis.
Metal theft is not a new issue in Washington state, prompting the Legislature to pass Senate Bill 5312 in 2007 to increase penalties for those found guilty of stealing metals. Despite the efforts of WSDOT and law enforcement, equipment is still being targeted by thieves on a regular basis, putting people at risk and disrupting critical infrastructure. Other public entities, such as Seattle City Lights and Puget Sound Energy, have also experienced copper wire thefts, further highlighting the ongoing problem of metal theft in the state.
While the direct cost to taxpayers from metal thefts may not appear significant, the overall impact can be substantial. In addition to the costs incurred by WSDOT for repairs and lost revenue from tolling operations, thefts of EV charging ports could have broader implications for transportation infrastructure as more drivers shift towards electric vehicles. The state’s 2030 mandate banning the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles further emphasizes the need to address these thefts to ensure the continued growth of EV charging infrastructure.
Despite the 2007 state law that increased penalties for metal thieves, these crimes are still classified as “other” in annual crime reports, indicating that more needs to be done to address the issue. While the Washington State Patrol investigates these crimes and works to prevent them from occurring, the lack of specific tracking for these types of thefts poses a challenge in addressing the problem effectively. The State Electric Vehicle Coordinating Council recognizes the importance of addressing copper wire thefts but specific plans to combat these crimes are not currently in place.
Overall, the ongoing issue of metal theft poses a significant threat to Washington state’s efforts to electrify its transportation sector and expand its EV charging infrastructure. With the rise in electric vehicle adoption and the state’s commitment to reducing fossil fuel usage, preventing thefts of charging ports is crucial to ensuring the continued growth and reliability of EV infrastructure. Collaboration between law enforcement, public entities, and stakeholders will be key in addressing this issue and safeguarding the state’s transportation systems against the impact of metal theft.
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