The bill provides consumer-based tax incentives for the purchase of battery electric, hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles in a variety of weight classes, from low speed electric vehicles, to cars, trucks and buses. In addition, the measure provides tax incentives to help buy down the equipment and installation costs of supporting infrastructure.

EDTA Applauds Reintroduction of the "CLEAR ACT" WASHINGTON, D.C., MARCH 20, 2003 - The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) applauds the leadership of Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Representative Dave Camp (R-MI) in calling for consumer-based tax incentives to provide critical support for the commercialization of electric drive technologies and supporting infrastructure, through the reintroduction of the Clean Efficient Automobiles Resulting from Advanced Car Technologies Act of 2003, known as the "CLEAR Act" (S. 505/H.R. 1054).

The bill provides consumer-based tax incentives for the purchase of battery electric, hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles in a variety of weight classes, from low speed electric vehicles, to cars, trucks and buses. In addition, the measure provides tax incentives to help buy down the equipment and installation costs of supporting infrastructure.

Douglas West, EDTA automotive Co-Chair and Senior Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs, Toyota noted, "Senator Hatch and Representative Camp are to be commended for recognizing the importance of federal support to accelerate the introduction of advanced transportation technologies into the marketplace. Making these vehicles more affordable and the fuels more available is key to reaching the mass market, where fuel economy improvements and environmental benefits will be maximized."

EDTA's electric utility Co-Chair, Eugene Zeltmann, President and CEO, New York Power Authority, joined in applauding the efforts of the congressional leaders, stating, "The Electric Drive Transportation Association (formerly EVAA) has sought tax incentives for electric drive technologies for many years, and we are pleased that Senator Hatch and Representative Camp continue to show leadership on this important issue. Each electric drive system put into use is a step toward transitioning the transportation sector away from its near total reliance on petroleum and toward better urban air quality and sustainable mobility."

Finally, Kateri Callahan, EDTA's President, stated, "Last year, comprehensive energy legislation considered by the Congress included many of the tax incentives included in the CLEAR Act. EDTA will work hard again this year to ensure that appropriate, and meaningful, tax incentives to support the transition to electric drive technologies are enacted into law."

Cosponsors of S. 505 include Senators Rockefeller (D-WV), Jeffords (I-VT), Snowe (R-ME), Lieberman (D-CT), Smith (R-OR), Kerry (D-MA), Ensign (R-NV), Clinton (D-NY), Crapo (R-ID), Chafee (R-RI), Collins (R-ME), Dorgan (D-ND), and Miller (D-GA). Cosponsors of H.R. 1054 include Representatives Bono (R-CA), Ramstad (R-MN), Wynn (D-MD) and Dunn (R-WA). The bills have been referred to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, respectively.