Schneider Introduces Bill to Promote Cleaner Vehicles, Fight Climate Change

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) 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. 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 cosponsors Congressman Don Beyer (VA-08) and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03). Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Senate's companion bill.

"Carbon emissions from transportation remain the single largest contributor to the climate change crisis in the United States. 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," said Congressman Brad Schneider.

"To stop the climate crisis, we're going to need zero-emissions vehicles—and we need to make sure that our communities are equipped with the infrastructure to make those clean cars and buses affordable and accessible," said Senator Cortez Masto. "This legislation will help build charging and refueling stations at airports and other infrastructure projects that promise to create good jobs and decrease emissions. I'll continue leading in the Senate to promote cleaner transportation that boosts our state's economy and improves the health and safety of Nevada communities."

"Though we have made improvements with technology and better regulation, a large portion of greenhouse gas emissions still come from the transportation sector," said Congressman Don 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."

"Throughout the past year, we have seen clear examples of the effects of the climate crisis in our own backyard and around the world. The impacts have been devastating and will only worsen without swift action," said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. "The Greener Transportation for Communities Act will prioritize the necessary investment into our green infrastructure to ensure we are prepared to meet rising electric vehicle demands. This is a necessary step as we continue moving towards a low-carbon future and transition away from our dependency on outdated fossil fuels."