U.S. House Unveils BUILD America 250 Act with New Federal EV Fees
Today House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) released the BUILD America 250 Act, a five-year bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization bill.
The legislation authorizes over $500 billion for highways, bridges, safety, transit, and related programs through FY 2031, including the largest federal investment in U.S. bridges.
EV Registration Fees
Section 1129 establishes new annual federal fees to offset declining gas tax revenue:
• $130 for battery electric vehicles
• $35 for certain plug-in hybrids
States would collect the fees at registration and remit them to the Federal Highway Administration. Fees begin October 1, 2026, allow $5 increases every two years (capped at $150/$50), and sunset October 1, 2036. Non-compliant states risk losing a portion of federal highway funds.
This is a scaled-back version of prior proposals. Proponents say it ensures EV owners pay their fair share for road maintenance.
Critics argue the fees exceed typical federal gas tax contributions and could slow EV adoption when combined with state fees.
The bill requires full House and Senate approval and presidential signature before the current authorization expires on September 30, 2026.
