Originally published on EV Obsession.
Section 177 states are US states which have adopted and placed into effect California requirements under authority of Section 177 of the Clean Air Act. To explain in simple terms, Section 177 states are a group of states which adhere to stricter standards than others with regard to vehicles and auto manufacturers.
An email recently sent to CleanTechnica and EV Obsession succinctly gave an overview of the electric vehicle (EV) policy support initiatives in these states, and seemed worth sharing. So here’s an overview of those local and state policies:
New York
* New York vehicle rebate program: New York State recently approved its first vehicle rebate program, providing a $2,000 vehicle credit for consumers and an EV rebate for municipalities of up to $5,000. This program will contribute to the Cuomo Administration’s commitment to reduce climate pollution 80% by 2050 and to put over 800,000 ZEVs on New York roads by 2025. In April, the New York Public Service Commission announced it would solicit EV proposals from utilities, starting in November.
* City-Owned Charging Stations Bill: The New York City Council is considering a bill to create a pilot program to install city-owned charging stations in all five city boroughs. The bill is backed by the Chair of the Transportation Committee and enjoys support from groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council and Sierra Club.
Massachusetts
* Supporting the ZEV Marketplace: The Massachusetts State Legislature is considering several policies to increase ZEV use:
- HOV lane access
- EV-only parking options in cities
- Building code requirements
- Fair access to charging
- Commitment for the state to purchase at least 25% ZEVs by 2050
- The bill has passed the Joint Transportation Committee and is under consideration in the Senate Ways and Means committee
- The policies enjoy support from the American Lung Association, ChargePoint, Ceres, E2, and Global Automakers
Connecticut
* Infrastructure and programs: In May, the Connecticut State Legislature passed HB 5510, supporting EV infrastructure and the expansion of EV programs. The bill’s provisions include:
- Requiring the DMV to record and make publically available all EVs registered in the state
- Requiring utilities to develop residential and commercial time-of-day rates for EVs
- Requiring the state and utilities to plan for increased EV charging
- Exempting EV charging stations from regulation as a utility
- Fixing existing definitions of EV charging stations
- Correcting statue to lift unnecessary restrictions on light-duty fuel cell vehicles
Maine
* Maine-Quebec Partnership: In March, Maine Governor Paul LePage announced a partnership with Quebec’s premier Phillippe Couillard to expand EV infrastructure between the two regions.
Vermont
* Updated energy codes
* 66% of Vermont communities already have EVs, and the state just updated its building energy codes to require EV infrastructure in buildings with 10 or more units.
Other Initiatives
* ICCT US City Electric Profile Project: As part of its US city electric profile project, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) surveyed actions taken to facilitate EV deployment in the 25 largest US metro areas. Information related to city and state incentives, utility policies, and public charging infrastructure were collected.
With regard to local city-scale efforts, the 3 cities below stand out:
* Boston, Massachusetts: the city has an above-average charging infrastructure network and has implemented state- and city-level actions to promote new technology and consumer incentives.
* Baltimore, Maryland: has the fifth-most-extensive public EV charging network and consumer benefits from state incentives that are usually worth $1,000–3,000 per vehicle.
* New York City, New York: EV owners benefit from low electricity rates for charging, local parking initiatives, and an above average number of EV promotion actions.
Photo courtesy of vectoropenstock.com, for EV Obsession.
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