"Green Car" Tax Incentives: A04456 works to extend the alternative fuel credits and amend the law to include tax credits for vehicles that are new electric vehicles, clean fuel vehicles, and vehicles that meet the clean vehicle exhaust emission standards the state of California adopted. The current law is set to expire December 31, 2006. Alternative Fuel (Clean Fuel) Vehicle Tax Incentive Program offers tax credits and a tax exemption for purchasing new hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), and/or install clean fuel vehicle refueling equipment. Purchasers of qualified HEVs are eligible for a tax credit of up to $3,000, depending on the vehicle's fuel economy. Current production models such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight qualify. The maximum value of the incentive is $5,000 for vehicles weighing less than 14,000 pounds (lbs.) gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The incremental cost of clean-fuel vehicles is exempt from state sales tax; this exemption expired February 28, 2004. These incentives apply to vehicles and fueling property placed in service by December 31, 2006. For more information, contact the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) at 866- NYSERDA, via email at info@nyserda.org, or visit the Web site at www.nyserda.org. (Reference Senate Bill 4523, 2003) A04456 Referred to Ways and Means 1/4/06
"Clean Pass HOV" Benefit for Hybrids: On 3/1/06, the Long Island Expressway's HOV lanes' occupancy requirement will be waived for qualifying passenger vehicles meeting strict emissions standards, and having a highway fuel economy average of at least 45 miles per gallon. Registered owners of eligible vehicles can apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles to participate in the Clean Pass initiative. Applications will be taken over the phone, by calling the State Department of Motor Vehicles toll free (800) 697-0558. Upon application approval, DMV will mail stickers with instructions to registered vehicle owners.
Hybrid free parking in Westchester: Starting in January 2006, hybrid vehicle owners will be allowed to park for free at two county-owned commuter lots. The cost of a monthly permit is usually $75.00. Parks Commissioner Joe Stout said the county has about 1,100 commuter spaces available at two lots — about 200 of them on Central Avenue in White Plains at the Westchester County Center and the other 900 on Fisher Avenue in North White Plains, near the train station. Roughly 1,000 of the spaces are taken by drivers who buy permits and would be eligible for the new program. The program is dated to expire at the end of 2007. For more information, contact County Legislator Martin Rogowski at mlr1@westchestergov.com.
Hybrid HOV, Tax Credit, and EZ Pass Discount (bill): Governor Pataki proposed three new hybrid incentives in his 2006 budget. They include: a $2,000 personal income tax credit to individuals who purchase new hybrid, alternative flex-fuel vehicles to help defray the higher costs associated with the purchase of these vehicles; a new “Green” E-Z pass, which will provide a 10 percent discount for drivers of fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrids that average at least 45 MPG and meet certain EPA emissions standards, and; new initiative will allow cars and other vehicles that average at least 45 mpg and meet certain EPA emissions standards to use HOV lanes in New York City and on the Long Island Expressway -- regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle (the HOV portion of this initiative has been enacted--see "Clean Pass HOV" section above). These proposals will have to pass the New York legislature in order to take effect.
ULEV Sales Tax Exemption (bill):A03152 is the reintroduction of AB 682 that would provide a state sales tax exemption for new vehicles that meet California's emission standards for super-ultra-low emission vehicles, and that have a fuel efficiency at least 1.5 times the average fuel efficiency for the class of vehicle. Referred to Ways and Means committee 1/4/06.
Sales & Compensating Use Tax Exemption (bill): S.B. 560 would provide a sales and compensating use tax exemption for retail sales of new motor vehicles that meet "clean vehicle standard" regarding emissions and fuel economy. States that a new vehicle meets the clean vehicle standard if, and only if, it is certified as meeting exhaust emission standards for super-ultra-low emission vehicles which the state of California has adopted, and has a fuel efficiency that is at least one and one half times the average fuel efficiency for vehicles in its weight class. Referred to Investigations and Government Operations Committee 1/4/06.
Free Parking for ZEV, SULEV, and hybrid vehicles (bill): A02425 and S 3125 would establish a state pilot program to allow a locality obtain guidance on how to implement its own free parking program for ZEV, SULEV, and hybrids. Bill would also ask the department of motor vehicle to establish a definition for "clean air vehicles" by which the owner that qualifies can obtain a designation to be placed on such clean vehicle for free parking. Referred to Senate and Senate Transportation Committees 1/4/06.
Registration Fees Exemption and Tax Credit (bill): A03271 exempts new electric vehicles, clean fuel vehicles, and vehicles that meet the clean vehicle exhaust emission standards set forth by California from the first year of registration fees. The bill would also give a tax credit to owners of said vehicles equal to 60% of equipment installed or manufactured as part of the vehicle. Maximum credit would be $1,000 for a vehicle with gross weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less. Tax credit would be available through 2007.
Referred to Transportation Committee 1/4/06
Independent Hybrid Tax Credit (bill): A04021 removes qualified hybrid vehicles from the alternative fuels credit and established a separate and independent tax credits of $4,000 for the purchase of a qualified hybrid vehicle.
Referred to Ways and Means Committee 1/4/06
State Hybrid HOV (bill): A04278 and S 92 would amend the vehicle and traffic law to permit drivers of qualified hybrid vehicles to travel in high occupancy vehicle lanes regardless of the number of passengers in such vehicle. (Different than AB 7474 because no toll exemption in this one so it is not a reintroduction.) S 92 Committed to Rules 6/24/05 but failed to become law. Referred to House and Senate Transportation Committees 1/4/06.
Nassau County Sales Tax Break and Vehicle Use Fee Waiver (bill): This bill, expected to pass soon, would provide a tax break on the county-portion sales tax on the cost of the hybrid's engine for the 2006-2007 models. The tax break is expected to amount to $200-$250. In addition, hybrid owners will receive a waiver of the County's special motor vehicle use fee of $15 (registration fee).
Nassau County HOV Lane (bill): Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa) petitioned state officials and the Department of Transportation to allow for a waiver of the two-passenger rule for use of the HOV lanes in Nassau County, to purchasers of hybrid vehicles.
State Hybrid HOV & Toll Exemption (bill): AB 7474 would permit the use of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes by clean vehicles. It would also exempt clean or electric vehicles from paying tolls for a period of two years. Currently in Assembly Committee. Expired in committee, not enacted.
State Sales Tax Exemption & Credit (bill): AB 1350 would exclude fuel-efficient vehicles, zero-emission vehicles, flexible-fuel vehicles and alternative-fuel vehicles from the state sales tax, and provide a $1,000 state income tax credit for each vehicle purchased. Currently in Assembly Committee. Expired in committee, not enacted.