Residents in Utah could see an increase in charging stations for electric cars after state leaders have announced their support backing the idea.
A bill introduced Monday would encourage up to $50 million of investment by utility company Rocky Mountain Power in more charging stations across the state, KUTV-TV reported.
The bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Lowry Snow was supported by legislative leaders in both chambers.
"We see most of the major automobile manufacturers move to electric vehicles," Republican Sen. President Stuart Adams said. "But it's pretty hard to take care of an electric vehicle if you don't have a way to charge it."
[Read more: Thinking beyond the gas tax, Utah launches fee per miles driven for alternative-fuel cars]
The measure would help with air quality, he added.
The bill would add charging stations along Interstate 15, other highways and rural areas near national parks, utility officials said.
It would also allow the utility to recoup its investment through a new rate that people would pay for using the charging stations, but that plan must be approved by state regulators, officials said.