NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Senator Chuck Schumer announced the first major step to help the state meet their 2050 carbon-free target.
The Clean Cars For America Climate Initiative is said to have a proposed budget of $454 billion and aims to provide an easier way switch to electric vehicles.
By offering Americans a cash voucher to trade-in their gas-powered vehicle for a U.S.-assembled plug-in electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell car.
Under part of the plan, New Yorkers would be able to swap out their carbon-guzzling vehicle for a new electric one in a way that saves them money, while advancing aggressive climate policy.
“This national climate plan for clean cars is also a plan for New York because it advances the first major step to help the state meet its ambitious 2050 carbon-free target,” Schumer said. “New York and Long Island families would save thousands and new clean auto, electric car purchases will be accessible to all."
Schumer’s proposal consists of three major components.Making clean vehicles affordable by giving consumers a substantial cash voucher to trade-in their gas-powered cars and buy a U.S.-assembled and affordable plug-in electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell car.Making charging infrastructure accessible through a new grant program to states and localities to ensure all Americans have access to charging infrastructure.Reasserting U.S. leadership in clean car manufacturing with robust incentives for manufacturers to build new factories or re-tool existing factories in the United States to assemble zero-emission vehicles or manufacture charging equipment.
Based on the zero-emission range of the vehicle, drivers would be eligible for a sale rebate starting at $3,000, according to a detailed summary of the plan.Homes with household incomes less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level would receive an additional $2,000 rebate for new vehicles, or a 20% rebate to purchase used vehicles built prior to the program taking effect.In total, the program would receive $392 billion in funding and will look to replace approximately 25% of the roads in the United States with clean vehicles after 10 years.
The plan, according to Schumer, would result in 63 million fewer carbon-emitting cars.
Schumer also explained the full details of how the plan will drive jobs, make new purchases easier and kick carbon, so New York can meet its target and so local families can quit the costly trips to the gas station.
Clean vehicles and charging infrastructure accessible to all Americans, regardless of where they live and work.
The plan would also provide incentives for manufacturers to build new factories or re-tool existing factories, hoping to establish the United States as the global leader in clean vehicles and battery manufacturing.
In order to ensure that those without publicly accessibly charging infrastructure benefitted from the program, Schumer said that $45 billion of the proposal would provide funding to states, cities and municipalities to create the necessary infrastructure along city streets and public parking areas, with a focus on expanding infrastructure to lower-income communities.“New Yorkers are sick and tired of the dependence on gas stations, and it is high time to pursue a new front that will drive jobs, make new car purchases easier and less costly, while helping to kick carbon for good,” Schumer said.