CAMBRIDGE, MASS. (January 5, 2017)—Massachusetts has passed a new law that will make it easier for drivers in the state to switch to electric vehicles—a positive step that will help Massachusetts achieve its climate goals, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Below is a statement by Daniel Gatti, policy analyst for the Clean Vehicles program at UCS.
“For Massachusetts to meet its goals of cutting oil use, lowering air pollution and reducing the risks of climate change, we have to get more electric vehicles on the road. This new electric vehicle law will move us forward—and help more Massachusetts drivers get the benefits of driving electric.
“UCS research shows that in Massachusetts, electric vehicles cut emissions by more than half compared to similar gasoline-only vehicles. That advantage is only going to increase as the state continues to make progress on renewable energy sources like wind, solar and hydroelectric power, with the help of last year’s energy bill that requires the state to procure thousands of megawatts of clean electricity.
“This legislation will help speed the transition to electric vehicles by making it easier for towns and businesses to build charging stations and other infrastructure necessary to power EVs, and for drivers to power up. The bill allows property owners and municipalities to enforce EV-only parking at charging stations, ensures open access to EV charging by prohibiting the use of subscription fees, and will help the state generate data on public vehicle charging. It’s clear that Massachusetts is looking ahead to the future of transportation.
“State policy action is going to be increasingly vital to advance the transition to electric vehicles. It’s great to see Massachusetts legislators showing us the way forward.”