Cooper's Bill For Broadening Clean Vehicle Rebate Project Advances From Appropriations, Goes to Full Assembly

April 26, 2017 |   

A bill authored by California Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D - Elk Grove) that would offer broader incentives under the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project advanced out of a key committee today. 

The legislation, Assembly Bill 615, would increase rebate levels by $500 for low-income individuals, will require outreach to disadvantaged communities, will prioritize rebates payments for low-income consumers, and will limit eligibility for high-income individuals. The bill was approved by the Appropriations Committee.

“Studies overwhelmingly show that rebates are going to California’s most affluent communities and not to the communities with poor air quality who truly need them,” Cooper said. “AB 615 will help level the playing field and provide an improved opportunity for low-income individuals to take advantage of the program.”  

According to a study cited by Cooper and conducted by the UCLA Luskin Center, over 50-percent of state incentive money goes to families with annual incomes over $150,000, and 20-percent to families with more than $250,000 in annual income. Statistics also shows that 88-percent are Caucasian, and 83-percent are college-educated. 

The Center for Sustainable Energy als reports that since 2010 the CVRP has issued more than $377 million in rebates for more than 175,000 vehicles.

"We want and need clean air in our communities,” said Assemblymember Jim Cooper. “My hope is that by increasing rebate levels for low-income individuals, it will provide a better incentive for more Californians to purchase electric or clean-air vehicles.”

AB 615 now advances to the full Assembly for consideration.