Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) have introduced a bill that would require auto manufacturers to make zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) 50% of new car sales by 2030, and 100% of sales by 2040.

The Zero-Emissions Vehicle Act of 2018 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Few details have been made public so far, but according to advocacy group Plug In America, the bill includes a mechanism by which automakers that cannot achieve compliance can purchase credits from other firms (as does the existing mandate in force in California, which once provided some nice extra income for Tesla). Revenue from the sale of ZEV credits would help support public infrastructure through the Highway Trust Fund.

“This is a huge step in the right direction for America’s transportation policy,” said Joel Levin, Executive Director of Plug In America. “The 10 states that have already adopted a ZEV mandate are leading the way in electric vehicle adoption. A national ZEV mandate would send a huge signal to automakers and consumers that the future of transportation is electric, and would significantly accelerate the adoption of EVs across the country.”

“The growth of the EV sector promotes jobs in the US in the fields of technology and innovation, and keeps us competitive with countries like China,” continued Levin. “Not only this, but EVs provide cleaner air, reduce our reliance on foreign oil, and reduce carbon emissions.”

Source: Plug In America