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.
Read the 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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon.
NYC DOT wants faster, more permanent street upgrades
The city is examining ways to build more concrete infrastructure without getting entangled in 'decades-long' projects.
'Something we’ve never seen before:' rising utility rates could strain city finances nationwide
Data centers, climate change and other factors have caused utility rates in the United States to increase by 38% since 2020.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello