Driven by concern for air quality issues and to ensure adoption of new technologies, legislators in Utah are focusing on several electric vehicle infrastructure and tax credit bills this session. Proving once again that Utah is a leader in crafting commonsense policy solutions that help the environment and grow the economy, three bills in various stages at the Capitol include:
HB-259 EV Charging Network (Rep. Robert Spendlove and Sen. Buxton). The bill requires the Department of Transportation to work with the private sector to develop a statewide electric vehicle charging network. The plan would ensure the strategic deployment of charging infrastructure along the state’s highway system, ensuring charging options available in 50 mile increments. The legislation is a logical approach to building out infrastructure across the state and could serve as a model for other western states.
HB-396 EV Charging Infrastructure Amendments (Rep. Lowry Snow). This legislation would allow the PSC to authorize Rocky Mountain Power to spend $50 million in an initial investment to create a vehicle charging infrastructure program in Utah.
SB-77 Electric Energy Related Tax Credit (Sen. Kitchen and Rep. Peterson). This bill creates a tax credit for commercial electric or hydrogen powered trucks and energy storage assets. The bill authorizes up to $5 million in tax credits for heavy duty commercial trucks the businesses or individuals may claim.