HEARING ALERT: Clean Cars Act Of 2017

Important Legislation Encourages Marylanders to Invest in Clean-Fuel or Electric VehiclesNote: House Environment And Transportation Committee to Hold Hearing on HB 406 on February 23, 2017, 1:00 PM

“Our administration will introduce the Clean Cars Act of 2017, which will increase our investment in both the electric vehicle and in the charging station tax credit program.” - Governor Larry Hogan, January 3, 2017

Governor Hogan Enacted Reforms To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In 2016, Governor Hogan Signed Legislation, The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act, Aggressively Combating Greenhouse Gas Emissions. “The State shall reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2006 levels by 2030… On or before December 31, 2018, the Department shall: Submit a proposed plan that reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2006 levels by 2030 to the Governor and the General Assembly… The Department shall, on or before December 31, 2019, adopt a final plan that reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 2006 levels by 2030.” (“Senate Bill 323,” Maryland General Assembly, 4/4/16) 

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act Requires Maryland To Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 40% From 2006 Levels By 2030. “Additionally SB 323, the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act, was signed, which requires Maryland to reduce statewide gas emissions by 40 percent from 2006 levels by 2030. This bipartisan legislation, which was supported by the Maryland Departments of the Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, is based on a recommendation of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change and enhances the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Act.” (Press Release, “Governor Larry Hogan Signs Three Bills Into Law,”Office Of The Governor, 4/4/16)

Clean Cars Act Of 2017

Governor Hogan’s Proposed Legislation Reauthorizes The Electric Vehicle Recharging Equipment Rebate Program, Increases Funding For The Program To $1.2 Million. “There is an Electric Vehicle Recharging Equipment Rebate Program… For fiscal years 2018 through 2020, subject to the provisions of this section, as an individual, a businesses entity, or a unit of State or local government may apply to the Administration for an electric vehicle recharging equipment rebate for the costs of acquiring and installing qualified electric vehicle recharging equipment. For each fiscal year, the total amount of rebates issued by the Administration may not exceed $1,200,000.” (“House Bill 406,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/26/17)

The Governor’s Proposal Increases The Excise Tax Credit For Purchases Of Electric Vehicles To $2.4 Million. “That, notwithstanding any other provision of law, for fiscal years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively, the lesser of $2,400,000 or the actual total amount of credits allowed against the excise tax shall be transferred from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund established under § 9–20B–05 of the State Government Article to the Transportation Trust Fund to offset a reduction in revenues from the vehicle excise tax credit for qualified plug–in electric drive vehicles under § 13–815 of the Transportation Article, as enacted by this Act. The total amount of credits allowed against the excise tax may not exceed $2,400,000 during the course of any fiscal year.” (“House Bill 406,” Maryland General Assembly, 1/26/17)