Schneider Introduces Bill To Promote Cleaner Vehicles, Fight Climate Change

Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) today introduced The Greener Transportation for Communities Act. The bill is designed to promote the construction of electric charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure, an effort that will create infrastructure jobs while also fighting climate change.

Transportation accounts for nearly 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions and is the largest single contributor to the climate change crisis in the United States. Light to heavy duty vehicles account for over 80% of these emissions, dwarfing those of aircraft, rail, shipping, and other forms of transportation.

The Greener Transportation for Communities Act allows electric charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure to qualify for exemptions within the federal tax code, which allows state and local governments to use tax-exempt bonds to finance certain private projects. In addition, the Greener Transportation for Communities Act would allow this infrastructure to qualify as tax exempt if it is installed as part of larger projects built with private activity bonds as part of major infrastructure projects like airports, affordable housing, docks, green buildings and other infrastructure.

Schneider is introducing the legislation with original cosponsor Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08). The legislation's Senate companion bill was introduced by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) last year.

"Climate change poses an existential threat to our way of life, and we are already seeing its impact in our own communities. Our country needs to get serious about transitioning to and ultimately achieving net-zero emissions. Transportation is a key contributor to emissions so we need to rapidly move to electrify our car and truck fleets. Technological progress has made affordable electric vehicles a reality. Now we need to guarantee that the infrastructure is there to support them. I am proud to introduce the Greener Transportation for Communities Act to boost America's investment in green infrastructure," said Schneider.

"Though we have made improvements with technology and better regulation, a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions still come from the transportation sector," said Beyer. "We can address this problem by boosting the infrastructure for zero-emissions vehicles across the country. This bill would help us achieve that important goal, which in turn would be a big step in the fight against climate change."

"I'm pleased to see the House take up this bill to expand renewable infrastructure in Nevada and across the country," said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. "Greener airports, housing, buildings, and other infrastructure will keep our communities healthier while helping America transition to the clean-energy economy of the 21st century."

"The transportation sector is now the leading source of carbon pollution, making electrification crucial for addressing climate change and reducing other pollution that harms our health. Congressman Schneider's proposal is a step in the right direction, incentivizing new charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and speeding up this transition," said Jen Walling, Executive Director, Illinois Environmental Council.