State EV Policy

• 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 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.