Western Electrical Contractors Association, Inc.

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State Legislation

Thursday, July 11, 2019

Clean Vehicle Rebate Program California may increase rebates for low-emission vehicles under bill amendments by Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). AB 1046 previously would have established a new incentive program but is being amended to instead reform the existing Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which gives low-emission vehicle buyers $900 to $5,000, depending on the type of vehicle. Under the changes, the state would initially provide a higher maximum rebate of $7,500 per car, which would eventually fall to zero as the state makes progress toward its goal of 5 million zero-emission vehicles by 2030 as established in an executive order last year by former Gov. Jerry Brown. The bill is silent on funding sources; it would have the Department of Finance and Treasurer figure out a funding plan - maybe the State will find a Golden Goose. The Senate Transportation Committee analysis raised issues: Californians operate 600,000 zero emission vehicles, more than any other state but far short of the 5 million goal. The total rebate cost to reach the goal could be $16.5 billion. It's not clear where the money would come from. California would need 250,000 charging stations for just 1.5 million ZEVs. The state has 18,000 charging stations now.