Environmental Defense Applauds Cleaner Vehicle Tax Credit

Environmental Defense today praised the introduction of the bipartisan Cleaner Efficient Automobiles Resulting From Advanced Car Technologies (CLEAR) Act. The bill, which has the support of both industry and environmental organizations, would provide a tax credit to consumers who purchase environmentally friendlier vehicles. The bill’s sponsors include senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), James Jeffords (R-VT), John Kerry (D-MA), John Rockefeller (D-WV), John Ensign (R-NV) Joe Lieberman (D-CT), Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Michael Crapo (R-ID).

“The CLEAR Act is a win for the environment, consumers and business,” said Environmental Defense attorney Kevin Mills. “The CLEAR Act will reward consumers for purchasing a range of advanced vehicles with increased fuel economy, and will encourage the industry to provide cleaner vehicle technology for the mass market.”

“Most important, the CLEAR Act provides the biggest tax credit for vehicles with the highest fuel economy, so it rewards consumers for buying vehicles that reduce pollution and fuel-use most,” said Mills. “The CLEAR Act also rewards technologies, such as hybrid cars, that are already on the road, so the bill can make an immediate impact, both on consumers’ wallets and on the environment.”

“The CLEAR Act is a forward-thinking bill that will save consumers money, spur cleaner car technologies, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Mills. “The CLEAR Act is one piece of a comprehensive strategy to get cleaner vehicles on the road.”