In the state of Big Oil, all types of electric cars, propane, and natural gas fueled vehicles qualify for a $2,500 cash incentive, thanks to a bill passed last year that broadens the current alternative-fueled truck program to light duty vehicles.
Ryan Holeywell of the Houston Chronicle, previously the transportation and infrastructure reporter for Governing magazine, writes that thanks to Gov. Rick Perry signing SB 1727 last June, "(d)rivers will now be able to get up to $2,500 in state incentives to help purchase alternative-fuel vehicles" in a program managed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The new program will provide up to $7.7 million in incentives to help defray the cost of leasing or buying light-duty vehicles powered by electricity, compressed natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas, also known as propane.
The incentive program is far more generous than California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project where only "all electric" vehicles, like Nissan Leafs, get the full $2,500 rebate and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), like the Chevy Volt, receive $1,500. CNG and propane-fueled vehicles receive no rebate, though the former qualifies for a carpool lane sticker.
The Texas program also allows for a partial incentive for lease-holders of one to three years, with four years qualifying for the full $2,500, according to the TCEQ press release. In California, the minimum eligible lease is for three years.
"The changes were part of the state’s Texas Emissions Reduction Plan, which offers financial incentives for lower-emissions vehicles as part of en effort to improve air quality in the state," adds Holeywell, unlike California's program which is aimed to promote zero emission vehicles in order to reach its ambitious AB 32 global warming targets in addition to air quality goals.
A list [PDF] is available of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that qualify for the incentive. Teslas are not on the list, though not for reasons being considered in California pertaining to price.
"Only vehicles sold through a franchised dealer in Texas, or leased from a leasing company licensed to do business in Texas, may be eligible," according to the TCEQ webpage. Tesla has encountered major difficulties in the manner in which it markets its vehicles in some states, including Texas. State Impact's Terrence Henry explains.
FULL STORY: Texas launches $2,500 incentive for CNG, electric vehicles
Should Tesla Buyers Receive a $2,500 Rebate from California?
Currently, California residents who purchase plug-in electric vehicles can receive up to $2,500, depending on the type of electric vehicle, with all-electrics receiving the maximum rebate. However, the Air Resources Board is proposing a change.
California Caps Income Eligibility for Electric Vehicle Rebates
Californians with incomes of $250,000 or more, or couples earning half a million dollars or more, have lost their eligibility to receive most state electric vehicle rebates as a result of a required vote by the California Air Resources Board.
Electric Vehicles Not Welcome in Europe
It may seem odd that the continent of high gas taxes and strong environmental ethos would not take to electric vehicles. Focusing on the news that Renault will delay the release of a new EV, AutoblogGreen explores the poor sales of EVs in Europe.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
The State of E-Scooters in the US
Eight years after shared e-scooters were first introduced in US cities, the industry still teeters on the edge of success, hindered in part by limited infrastructure.
Rochester Shows Possible Future for Former Highways
A former freeway is undergoing a massive redevelopment that goes beyond highway removal to reconnect and revitalize surrounding areas.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
