Plug In America's Wish List for the New Administration
We support President-Elect Obama's plan to put 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars on the road by 2015 but believe this can be accomplished by 2012.
The following steps can help rapidly move the United States to plug-in vehicles powered by clean, affordable, domestic electricity. Can we do it? Yes, we can!
If you agree, send these suggestions to President-Elect Obama by copying and pasting them onto the Obama team site form.
Fiscal Policy
Increase federal tax breaks for purchase of electric vehicles and broaden the inclusion criteria (to add certified plug-in hybrid conversions and electric motorcycles).
Structure tariffs on imported cars to favor battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids over gasoline-dependent vehicles.
Tax windfall oil profits and/or current government subsidies of oil companies and redistribute those funds to incentives for renewable power and plug-in vehicles.
Implement a self-funded feebate system that collects a fee on sales of petroleum-dependent vehicles and provides a rebate to purchasers of plug-in vehicles of the same class.
Shift funds from hydrogen fuel-cell programs to projects emphasizing near-term deployment of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Require that automobiles purchased directly or indirectly for and by the federal government be battery-electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids (including all Post Office cars & trucks).
Regulatory Policy
Grant California its "Clean Car Waiver" in order to implement AB 1493 (known as the Pavley Bill) and adopt these standards nationwide to treat tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions as air pollutants. Treat greenhouse gases as air pollution under the Clean Air Act.
Create a new class of City Electric Vehicles under the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) with standards for cars that go faster than 25 mph but less than highway speeds.
Emphasize energy efficiency and renewable power in federal decisions related to power plants, utility regulations, vehicles, etc.
Commit to building a nationwide electric rail system to help replace long-distance trips by petroleum-dependent cars, trucks, and planes.
Industry
Require that any bail-out or stimulus package for U.S. automobile manufacturers be contingent on the manufacture of more battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
Negotiate strongly with the auto industry to get 1 million plug-in vehicles on the road by 2012 and 10 million by 2016.
Provide incentives for domestic battery manufacturing plants and serious investment in battery research.
Work with utilities to upgrade the reliability, robustness and capability of the U.S. electrical grid.
Create federal incentives or requirements to spread "smart" metering, which will increase efficient use of the electrical grid and provide financial benefits to people who charge their vehicles during low-demand hours.
Fund demonstration projects aimed at perfecting and disseminating vehicle-to-building and vehicle-to-grid technology.
Coordinate a campaign to convert millions of existing gasoline-dependent vehicles to plug-in vehicles by settings standards and certifications for safety and emissions and offering incentives to consumers and conversion businesses.