Increase Access to Electric Cars

Promote state rebates for electric cars
State funding and policy support to provide shared electric mobility services for affordable housing residents and social service organizations
State and utility investment in brand-neutral EV outreach and education efforts to make more Americans aware of electric vehicles and their benefits
Support programs to help gig drivers switch to EVs in ways that benefit them economically, rather than imposing additional costs and hardships, particularly if states are adopting ‘clean miles standards’

Increase Access to Charging

State funding and policies that support the funding for charging infrastructure by utilities
State funding and support for technical assistance for charging

Increase Access to Emerging Modes

Promote state funding, incentives and other policy that supports privately owned and shared electric micromobility
Promote state adoption of clear e-bike categories and rules
Reduce regulatory barriers to use of three-wheel “autocycles”
Promote state policy that accelerates the transition to electric school buses, with a particular focus on repowers
Promote state policy that transitions transportation funding to a system based on pollution, congestion, and miles traveled
Increase funding and policy support to electrify American farm equipment

Coalitions & Associations

Forth works with a broad range of stakeholders, coalitions and associations to build a broad base of support for smart e-mobility policy. We support a bipartisan, bicameral Clean Transportation Caucus in Oregon and Washington.

Policy Advocacy For A Zero-emission Future

Forth works across executive, legislative and regulatory processes in Oregon and Washington to encourage actions that will promote affordable and accessible transportation electrification.

Our Current Priorities in Oregon & Washington

Clean and Just Transportation Network (CJTN): The Clean and Just Transportation Network brings together a diverse consortium of statewide transportation advocates, environmental justice, community-based organizations, and climate groups. The Network advocates at the state and local levels for transportation policies that dramatically reduce carbon emissions, address historic injustices, and are equitable, innovative, and sustainable.
We strive to create a zero GHG emission transportation system that helps the state meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals (40% by 2035 and 80% by 2050) while strengthening our communities and economy to create a transportation system that is safer, healthier, more affordable and more reliable for everyone.

Recent Successes In Oregon

Oregon Electric Vehicle Rebate: We led the charge for a state bill, HB 2704, to provide people with a rebate for electric vehicles - cars and motorcycles, as well as a rebate on electric buses for public transit agencies. We recently succeeded in increasing the Charge Ahead Rebate for low-to-moderate-income Oregonians from $2,500 to $5,000.
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TEINA: The Transportation Electrification Infrastructure Needs Analysis (TEINA) is focused on charging infrastructure needs and gaps for light-duty ZEVs and meeting state ZEV adoption targets outlined in Oregon Senate Bill 1044.

Our report to Oregon’s Governor in 2021 examines the status of light-duty ZEV transportation charging infrastructure in Oregon, identifies needs and gaps along travel corridors and for ZEV daily use and directly addresses equity concerns and access in rural areas. The findings project possible future vehicle trends, charging technology, charging patterns, travel patterns, population density and other contextual factors. Access for all Oregonians to light-duty ZEV charging infrastructure is emphasized.
Our two top-priority bills were signed by Governor Kate Brown. House Bill 2165 doubles the amount of the Charge Ahead Rebate. House Bill 2180 makes state building codes much more EV-ready.
Oregon's Electric Vehicle Purchase Rebate: Forth was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 2017, Oregon's Transportation Package. House Bill 2017 includes rebates for the purchase of electric vehicles and established a "Charge Ahead" initiative for low-income buyers who purchase a new or used electric car.
Oregon Clean Energy Law: Oregon’s groundbreaking clean energy law put the state on track to eliminate coal-fired energy by 2030. It also requires Oregon’s major utilities to plan for increased investment in growing the electric vehicle market. We worked with partners and lawmakers to ensure that electric vehicles were integrated into Oregon’s clean energy strategy.
Portland and Metro climate action plans: Our work helped ensure that Portland and Metro’s plans to take action on climate change included robust support for electric transportation.

Recent Successes In Washington

Move Ahead Washington Transportation Package: Forth advocated for expanding investments in transportation electrification in the 2022 Washington Legislative Session. It resulted in a $250 million addition to the final budget appropriation for zero-emission transportation projects. We will advocate to ensure that this allocation results in the creation of a robust EV rebate program, including one for income-qualified buyers, much like the Oregon Charge Ahead incentive.
Washington Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate and Tax Exemption: Forth, with our partners, led the efforts to
re-establish the sales tax incentive and helped shape legislation in HB 2042, providing incentives for electric vehicles and infrastructure. We advocated for low-income electric car-sharing pilots, low-income electric/hydro vehicle financing study, charging infrastructure, and to re-establish the sales tax exemption. The legislation passed with bi-partisan support and was signed by Gov. Jay Inslee.

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Join our growing movement

Recent Successes

Oregon

Forth introduced and advocated for a pilot program for the electrification of medium-and-heavy-duty vehicles in Oregon. Along with partners- Oregon Environmental Council (OEC), Climate Solutions (CS), and Verde, we led advocacy efforts to shape state legislation in HB 5202 and HB 4139 (2022).

Oregon DEQ’s pilot Oregon Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure Grant program will provide $15 million in financial assistance to support the installation of new charging facilities for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses, and equipment.
In Fall of 2022, Forth defended the Oregon Rebate Program from proposed cuts. Forth engaged stakeholders, staff and legislators to keep the program intact. Despite this strategic win, the rebate program is low on funds and vulnerable to future cuts.
With support from Forth and other advocates, Oregon and Washington took a critical step in passing the Advanced Clean Car II (ACCII) rules. They strengthen the region’s emission standards for all new light-duty cars starting in 2026. By 2035 100% of new cars sold must be zero-emission vehicles. This important ruling will increase the availability of clean vehicles and reduce pollution.

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program

Forth led the charge for a state bill to provide a rebate for electric vehicles. We were instrumental in the passage of House Bill 2017, Oregon's Transportation Package, which included rebates for the purchase of electric vehicles and established a "Charge Ahead" rebate for low-to-medium-income buyers for new or used electric vehicles. We recently succeeded in increasing the Charge Ahead Rebate for low- to moderate-income Oregonians from $2,500 to $5,000.
Robust advocacy by Forth and our partners resulted in the allocation of an additional $15 million to the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program budget as part of a $100 million Climate Resilience Budget. Learn more
TEINA: Our report to Oregon's Governor on The Transportation Electrification Infrastructure Needs Analysis (TEINA) examines the status of light-duty ZEV transportation charging infrastructure in Oregon, identifies needs and gaps along travel corridors and for ZEV daily use, and directly addresses equity concerns and access in rural areas.
Our two top-priority bills were signed by then Oregon Governor Kate Brown. House Bill 2165 doubles the amount of the Charge Ahead rebate. House Bill 2180 makes state building codes much more EV-ready.

Washington

Washington EV Rebate and Infrastructure Funding

Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced a budget proposal in January 2022, to secure significant funding for the development of EV infrastructure and an ambitious EV rebate program in the state. Policy managers at Forth, our lobbyists and allies met with legislators, provided guidance for spending priorities, and testified in committee hearings in the 60-day session.

Our joint efforts resulted in a $250 million addition to the final budget in the $17-billion Move Ahead Washington Transportation Package appropriated for zero-emission transportation projects.

The allocation includes:
- $120 million for programs and incentives promoting the purchase of and conversion to alternative fuel vehicles.
- $69 million to support EV charging infrastructure in rural areas, office buildings, multi-family housing and other areas.
- $25 million toward programs and incentives for overburdened and low-income communities.

Forth, with our partners, led the efforts to re-establish the sales tax incentive and helped shape legislation in HB 2042, providing incentives for electric vehicles and infrastructure. We advocated for low-income electric car-sharing pilots, low-income electric/hydro vehicle financing study, charging infrastructure, and to re-establish the sales tax exemption.

Model EV Policy Toolkit for Public Officials and Advocates

The Sierra Club, Plug In America, the Electrification Coalition and Forth released AchiEVe: Model Policies to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption to accelerate the switch to clean, electric vehicles in an effective and equitable way.

2023 AchiEVe Report

Forth Policy Resources & Testimonies

Forth's Testimony to Oregon HB 4109- 13

Joint Testimony: Forth, Oregon Auto Dealers Association, Climate Solutions

Forth's Testimony to Oregon HB 4112 - Clean Energy Technology

Oregon's Charge Ahead Rebate - Partner Support Letter

Forth's Testimony to Oregon HB 4067 - Electric Micromobility Taskforce

2023 Oregon Session Report

2023 Washington Session Report

Forth's Testimony to Advanced Clean Cars II Rule

Forth's Testimony to Oregon SB 582 - Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program

State EV Policy

Advocating Equitable Access to EVs