WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, joined U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) in introducing three bills to make electric vehicles (EVs) and other clean transportation technologies more accessible to consumers throughout the country.
The series of bills support the adoption of cost-effective clean transportation technologies, which have expanded dramatically in recent years and are creating good-paying, union jobs. Putting more zero-emissions vehicles on the road would reduce American reliance on oil and gas and lower costs across the board.
“At a time when Trump’s unauthorized war with Iran is driving up the costs of oil and gas, Californians and consumers across the country are in need of relief,” said Senator Padilla. “I am proud to introduce these bills with my colleagues to guarantee American families and businesses have access to affordable and clean transportation technologies in the midst of Trump’s affordability crisis and an increasingly competitive global marketplace.”
“During the Trump Administration, Nevadans have been struggling with skyrocketing costs. Whether you’re driving to work, shopping for groceries, or traveling to visit family in another town, everyday life has become more expensive,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “By helping more American families and businesses access clean transportation technology, we can bring costs down for everyone, reduce our dependency on foreign oil, and create jobs – all while becoming more economically competitive with China.”
The bill package includes three pieces of legislation:
Cleaner Transportation Access for All Act
This legislation restores and extends tax credits and grant programs passed in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for consumers who purchase new or used EVs and supports the construction of EV-friendly infrastructure, especially along travel and tourism corridors. It also contains a fuel conservation program to encourage federal government fleets to reduce their fuel use when consumers are paying increased prices. In addition to Padilla and Cortez Masto, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).
The text of this legislation can be found here.
A one-pager can be found here.
Clean Transportation Jobs and Development Act
This legislation strengthens the clean energy and transportation supply chain, by supporting battery manufacturing and recycling, strengthening the domestic critical mineral supply chain, and investing in research and development to lower the cost of low-emission vehicles. In addition to Padilla and Cortez Masto, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Rosen, Van Hollen, and Bennet.
The text of this legislation can be found here.
A one-pager can be found here.
Deploying Revolutionary and Innovative Vehicle Energy-supply (DRIVE) Across America Act
This legislation would establish the Cleaner Transportation at Recreational Areas to Improve our Landmarks and Sites (TRAILS) Initiative. This comprehensive initiative would facilitate the adoption of zero-emission technologies in tourism corridors, by adding fueling infrastructure at National Parks and U.S. Forest Service sites and near airports and other tourist destinations. The Cleaner TRAILS Initiative will make it easier and cheaper for tourists to travel in their EVs and reduce emissions in the country’s most pristine sites. In addition to Padilla and Cortez Masto, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Rosen, Van Hollen, Bennet, and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii).
The text of this legislation can be found here
A one-pager can be found here.