Incentives and Laws

Hybrid Incentives and Rebates - Region by Region

We're doing our best to track hybrid incentives and rebates across the country.

Corporate Incentives for Hybrids and Alternative Cars

Do you think that only environmentalists or eco-conscious legislators want to promote smart transportation choices? Think again. A growing number of business leaders are seeing the connection between employees’ driving habits and the well being of their companies and communities.

Federal Incentives (United States)

Depending on when you bought a hybrid, which model you purchased, and how many deductions you are already taking, you might be entitled to significant tax credit.

CAFE Footprint Formula Explained

Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced its new formula to calculate fuel efficiency standards based on the footprint of vehicle lines—rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Is this a fair approach? We asked John DeCicco, senior fellow for automotive issues at Environmental Defense, to explain what the rules mean for carmakers and car buyers. See the complete interview.

Candidates Bicker on Suspending Gas Tax

Hillary Clinton lined up with John McCain yesterday on a plan to suspend the federal excise tax on gasoline, 18.4 cents a gallon, for the summer travel season. Obama called the plan "a scheme." McCain said Obama is not "strong enough to provide relief at the pump.” Meanwhile, rising gas prices are making the gas tax look like small change.

Feebates, Unlikely Solution for Reducing Car Emissions

Experts on fuel efficiency and vehicle markets gathered on Monday, April 21, in Sacramento, Calif., to explore the idea of feebates as a strategy for reducing carbon emissions from cars and trucks. Some analysts believe that feebates would be the most effective strategy for achieving greenhouse gas reductions—but politics will get in the way.

CAFE Increases Coming Sooner Than Expected

Today, the Department of Transportation is expected to announce a more aggressive timetable for fuel economy increases: automakers will be required to raise average fuel efficiency to 31.5 miles per gallon by 2015. But the effectiveness of the new proposal depends on many details, and potential loopholes, in the plan.

McCain Proposes a Summer Holiday for Gas Taxes

On a day when oil prices hit yet another record high, Republican Presidential candidate John McCain proposed suspending federal gas taxes this summer. Summer is typically when the cost of gas hits its peak for the year, and this year, many analysts expect the average price at the pump to exceed $4.50 cents a gallon.

Jimmy Carter on the Autobahn

The European Commission has been considering a continental speed limit that could drastically cut emissions from driving, especially on roads like the Autobahn, where many stretches of road have no speed limit whatsoever. The move conjures memories of President Jimmy Carter calling for Americans to obey a 55-mph speed limit in the 1970s.

Presidential Candidates Call for More Hybrids

Even with the economy and the war in Iraq dominating the discourse surrounding the presidential elections, environmental concerns and energy policy could potentially become major issues by the end of the summer. The three candidates have all outlined major—yet vague—energy and transportation initiatives.