The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is writing rules to implement the Legislature's clean vehicle rebate program, which provides rebates of $2,500 for EV purchases. Last time (2014), Tesla cars did not qualify because sales were restricted to Texas auto dealers. There is nothing in the current law requiring the vehicle to be sold by Texas dealers-only that the first title for the vehicle be issued in Texas. Even though Tesla does not have dealerships in Texas, the Commission seems to be sympathetic to including the purchase of a Tesla in the program. But it will happen only if we push hard to show them we support it!
The links for the hearing and comments pages are:
Notice of public hearing on Dec. 11, 2017 at 2 PM
A large presence will be helpful to the cause.
eComments Form for Proposed Rulemaking
The deadline for comments is Dec. 22, 2017. Under "Your Comments," a selection box appears for "For which rulemaking would you like to provide comments?" Select the option for "Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program."
TCEQ provides some tips for effective comments:
Background:
SB 1731: Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program
The rulemaking would propose revisions to the standards and criteria for the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program in order to implement legislation that re-establishes the program. The revisions would include maximum incentive amounts of $5,000 for natural gas and propane vehicles and $2,500 for electric vehicles, with a limit per fiscal biennium of 1,000 incentives for natural gas and propane vehicles and 2,000 incentives for electric vehicles. The revisions would also allow vehicles converted to operate on natural gas or propane within 500 miles of first sale of the vehicle to be eligible for an incentive.
Timing/Process:
Comments are due by Dec. 22, 2017. The Commission will make a decision in the spring. From TCEQ: "We anticipate opening the program in the spring of 2018. Once the program is open, the eligibility criteria, a list of eligible vehicles, application forms and instructions will be posted to our website."
Argument:
Since Tesla buyers pay the same sales and vehicle registration taxes as vehicle purchases as other buyers, we should have the opportunity to apply for the rebate.
Sample Comment:
I am commenting on proposed regulations on the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program because [talk about your motivation-plan to buy a Tesla, interested in air quality, believe in a level playing field with other manufacturers, etc.]. SB 1731 directs the Commission to develop rules implementing a buyer rebate program to encourage the purchase of clean light duty vehicles. [Wax eloquent-but be concise!-about Tesla, if you wish] Tesla vehicles contribute just as much to improved air quality as other EVs, and Tesla buyers pay the same taxes to the state of Texas as any other new vehicle purchaser. I encourage the Commission to include Tesla on the approved list of vehicle manufacturers for the rebate program and not restrict the rebate to sales by Texas dealers.
The links for the hearing and comments pages are:
Notice of public hearing on Dec. 11, 2017 at 2 PM
A large presence will be helpful to the cause.
eComments Form for Proposed Rulemaking
The deadline for comments is Dec. 22, 2017. Under "Your Comments," a selection box appears for "For which rulemaking would you like to provide comments?" Select the option for "Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program."
TCEQ provides some tips for effective comments:
- Identify who you are and why the regulation affects you;
- Explain why you agree or disagree with the proposed rulemaking;
- Be direct in your comment; and
- Offer alternatives, compromise solutions, and specific language for your suggested changes.
Background:
SB 1731: Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program
The rulemaking would propose revisions to the standards and criteria for the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program in order to implement legislation that re-establishes the program. The revisions would include maximum incentive amounts of $5,000 for natural gas and propane vehicles and $2,500 for electric vehicles, with a limit per fiscal biennium of 1,000 incentives for natural gas and propane vehicles and 2,000 incentives for electric vehicles. The revisions would also allow vehicles converted to operate on natural gas or propane within 500 miles of first sale of the vehicle to be eligible for an incentive.
Timing/Process:
Comments are due by Dec. 22, 2017. The Commission will make a decision in the spring. From TCEQ: "We anticipate opening the program in the spring of 2018. Once the program is open, the eligibility criteria, a list of eligible vehicles, application forms and instructions will be posted to our website."
Argument:
Since Tesla buyers pay the same sales and vehicle registration taxes as vehicle purchases as other buyers, we should have the opportunity to apply for the rebate.
Sample Comment:
I am commenting on proposed regulations on the Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program because [talk about your motivation-plan to buy a Tesla, interested in air quality, believe in a level playing field with other manufacturers, etc.]. SB 1731 directs the Commission to develop rules implementing a buyer rebate program to encourage the purchase of clean light duty vehicles. [Wax eloquent-but be concise!-about Tesla, if you wish] Tesla vehicles contribute just as much to improved air quality as other EVs, and Tesla buyers pay the same taxes to the state of Texas as any other new vehicle purchaser. I encourage the Commission to include Tesla on the approved list of vehicle manufacturers for the rebate program and not restrict the rebate to sales by Texas dealers.