Virginians: You spoke up for electric vehicles!
Thank Your Legislators (UPDATED 7/12/21)
July is here and in Virginia, that means new laws passed during the 2021 General Assembly are now in full effect. We’re happy to report that five key EV bills were passed! Together, these bills help address the supply, demand, infrastructure, and funding components of Virginia’s transition to electric transportation. While there’s more work to be done, it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate. Between last year’s landmark clean energy legislation and this year’s transportation wins, Virginia is making huge strides toward a clean energy future.
We passed Clean Car Standards, infrastructure policies, and took steps towards creating programs that will make EVs and EV school buses more affordable.
A broad coalition of groups came together to get these bills passed, but we couldn’t have done it without constituents like you. This is your win!
Help us keep the positive momentum going by thanking your elected officials who supported these initiatives. Let’s make sure transportation electrification remains a priority for them as we continue advocating for policies that support our transition to a clean energy future.
What key bills were passed?
Clean Car Standards for Virginia, HB 1965
Clean Cars Virginia joins Virginia with the 16 states that have adopted (or are in the process of adopting) standards to tackle air pollution from passenger vehicles in a way proven to reduce fuel bills and car-ownership costs for everyday consumers.
Clean Car Standards are composed of (1) low-emissions vehicle pollution standards (“LEV”) already in place in more than 35 percent of the American auto market, and (2) increased availability of zero-emissions electric vehicles (“ZEV”). These two components, LEV and ZEV, will reduce transportation pollution and expand the choices Virginians have for buying zero- and low-emission vehicles, which have been long shown to save drivers money.
To learn more, click here.
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Electric Vehicle Rebate Program, HB 1979
This bill creates an equitable point-of-sale rebate program for the purchase of new and used electric vehicles. The standard rebate available to all Virginians would be $2,500 for the purchase or lease of a new or used electric vehicle, with an additional $2,000 rebate for low-to-moderate income individuals. However, HB 1979 only established the structure for an EV rebate. Further legislation will be needed to fund this program.
To learn more, click here.
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Electric Vehicle Grant Fund and Program, HB 2118
This bill establishes a future potential funding mechanism to support Virginia schools who are replacing diesel school buses with electric ones. This fund, which will need to be supplemented by federal or private sector philanthropic contributions, will also support replacing other diesel-using heavy equipment, charging infrastructure, and workforce development for Virginia jobs.
To learn more, click here.
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Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, HB 2282
This legislation directs the State Corporation Commission to consider policy proposals that accelerate transportation electrification in Virginia with focus on low-income, minority, and rural communities. It also addresses current infrastructure gaps to ensure better access to charging stations across the state.
To learn more, click here.
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Virginia Energy Plan & EV Infrastructure, SB 1223
This bill amends the Virginia Energy Plan to include an analysis of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and other infrastructure needed to support the 2045 net-zero carbon target in the transportation sector.
To learn more, click here.