Legislation would promote green vehicle infrastructure

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Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would bolster the construction of electric charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure to fight climate change while creating jobs.

The Greener Transportation for Communities Act would make electric charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure eligible for exemptions under the federal tax code. This would allow state and local governments to use tax-exempt bonds to finance certain private projects.

The bill would also permit this type of infrastructure to qualify as tax exempt if installed as part of larger projects built with private activity bonds such as green buildings, affordable housing, docks, airports, and other infrastructure.

“Carbon emissions from transportation remain the single largest contributor to the climate change crisis in the United States,” U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), who introduced the bill, said. “With technological progress now making affordable electric vehicles a reality, we must ensure the supporting infrastructure is in place and accessible. I am proud to introduce the Greener Transportation for Communities Act to boost America’s investment in green infrastructure and zero-emissions technology.”

Nearly 30 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. Of that amount, more than 80 percent can be attributed to light to heavy duty vehicles.