State Reps. Liz Hanbidge (D-Montgomery) and Chris Rabb (D-Philadelphia) are urging a study of the impact of electric vehicles in Pennsylvania.
The legislators introduced a House resolution last month on the issue that has bipartisan support and recently was referred to the House Transportation Committee. The resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct the study.
The study would examine transportation methods and economy, environment, employment, and the costs and benefits of electric vehicles on infrastructure.
Electric vehicles emit significantly less greenhouse gas than gasoline-powered vehicles, but can negatively affect the state’s revenue.
A bill recently introduced in the House Appropriations Committee would charge annual electric vehicle fees. The fees would be used to relieve a shortfall in the state motor vehicle tax fund caused by the fact electric vehicles do not use gasoline.
“Before we move forward with any such legislation,” Hanbidge said. “it is vital that we fully understand the impact that electric vehicles have on our state. That is why Rep. Rabb and I, along with a bipartisan group of co-sponsors, are seeking quick action on these studies. Electric vehicles are here to stay, and we need to find out exactly what that means for Pennsylvania.”