WASHINGTON, DC — The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) voted yesterday to approve an exemption that releases any federal agency from the Section 106 requirement to consider the effects on historic properties of their undertakings involving the installation and placement of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), provided certain conditions are met.

“The Biden Administration is committed to converting the federal government’s vehicle fleet to electric vehicles, which will require the installation of supply equipment to support their operation,” ACHP Vice Chairman Jordan Tannenbaum said. “With this exemption, the ACHP is leading the way in developing a programmatic solution toward this effort.”

The ACHP proposed this exemption because the installation of EVSE is likely to result in minimal or no effects to historic properties when certain conditions are met. Because the EVSE relies on existing electric infrastructure, as well as existing parking structures and areas, minimal ground disturbance will be needed. Further, the equipment itself will either be placed in a way that is minimally visible, or will utilize colors that allow it to blend in.

The exemption applies to the installation of EVSE on federal lands and facilities, as well as when federal funds will be used on state and private lands. However, the exemption does not apply on tribal lands unless the Indian Tribe agrees in advance to allow the exemption.