WATCH: CBS Host Laughs In Pete Buttigieg’s Face Over Ridiculous EV Claim

CBS’s “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan couldn’t contain her laughter when Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg tried to justify the sluggish progress on electric vehicle (EV) charging stations—a cornerstone of the Biden administration’s green infrastructure plan. Despite a whopping $7.5 billion flushed from taxpayers’ pockets into the initiative, only a “handful” of stations have sprung up.

The interview, which started with a serious tone about the administration’s ambitious goals, took a comedic turn when Brennan pointed out the glaring discrepancy between the investment made back in 2021 and the meager results thus far. According to the Federal Highway Administration, only seven or eight charging stations have been built—a shockingly low number given the billions spent.

“Why isn’t that happening more quickly?” asked Brennan.

Buttigieg responded with an explanation that seemed to stretch credulity, detailing the complex process involving utility work and the novelty of such federal investments, reiterating the administration’s goal to install half a million chargers by the end of the decade. However, as he delved into the details of engaging all fifty states and the logistical hurdles, Brennan’s professional composure cracked, leading to a moment of unrestrained laughter.

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Many have questioned whether the government’s lofty promises on green energy are too far out of reach, especially when basic infrastructure projects are crawling at a snail’s pace. Despite the lofty goal to roll out 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations by 2030, a mere seven are up and running—more than two years after Congress forked over $7.5 billion to fuel the project. As the White House pushes new car and truck emissions rules demanding more electric and hybrid vehicles, the sluggish pace could put the brakes on America’s green driving revolution.

Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enacted in November 2021 allocated $7.5 billion to bolster the nation’s EV charging infrastructure. Of this, $5 billion was designated for states through “formula funding” under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to establish a network of rapid chargers along key highways. However, two years post-enactment, a Federal Highway Administration spokesperson revealed that only seven charging stations are operational, offering just 38 charging ports. This is a stark contrast to the projected 20,000 charging spots or approximately 5,000 stations, as forecasted by Atlas Public Policy.

Currently, operational stations are located in Hawaii, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, with ongoing constructions in four additional states. Meanwhile, twelve states have initiated contracts for station construction, but 17 states are yet to propose any plans according to The Washington Post.

Earlier in the year, Republican members of the House of Representatives formally questioned the Biden administration about the delayed deployment of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, sending a letter that demanded answers on the program’s slow progress.

“We have significant concerns that under your efforts American taxpayer dollars are being woefully mismanaged,” Republican members wrote. “The problems with these programs continue to grow — delays in the delivery of chargers, concerns from States about labor contracting requirements and minimum operating standards for chargers.”

As the Biden administration continues to push for a greener America, many have been left wondering if their vision is obscured by bureaucratic inefficiencies and overpromises. Meanwhile, taxpayers are left watching the clock—and their wallets—as the promised EV revolution sputters from the start.

(BREAKING: Glenn Beck reveals new Biden initiative that will bankrupt America)