Lead Sponsors of Assembly Bills Welcome Innovation, Jobs & Economic Development
(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Connie Wagner and Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson – both leading advocates for promoting electric vehicles in New Jersey – on Thursday welcomed a $1 million federal grant for New Jersey and other northeastern states to create a network of electric vehicle charging stations.
Wagner (D-Bergen) is the lead sponsor of legislation (A-3650) that would provide corporation business tax credit and gross income tax credits for purchasing and installing electric vehicle charging stations.
Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex) is the lead sponsor of legislation (A-3651) to provide corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for buying electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Both bills passed the Assembly in February.
“If we’re to promote innovations such as electric vehicles to clean our air and promote economic development and energy independence, then we of course must make it easy for people to use electric vehicles,” Wagner said. “Making certain people can drive and charge electric vehicles in this region and setting up consistent charging standards is a must. That’s why this funding is so welcome. I thank the Obama administration for its leadership and am hopeful the Christie administration will take full advantage of this opportunity to move our state forward.”
“This funding will benefit both consumers and the electric vehicle industry, creating jobs, attracting private investment and boosting economic development throughout our state,” Benson said. “We should be supporting cleaner energy alternatives such as electric vehicles to invest in our future. It will bring a cleaner environment, a stronger economy and job creation for our residents. If we send a clear message that New Jersey welcomes electric vehicles, than we will attract a budding industry that can bring new high-paying jobs for working class residents.”