Ruppersberger & Gilchrest Honor Earth Day with Bill to Increase the Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credit

Washington, DC - In honor of the 34th anniversary of Earth Day, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) and Congressman Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) will introduce a bill that will help protect our air quality and cut fuel consumption by encouraging Americans to drive environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles.

The measure will increase the Clean Fuel Vehicle tax credit to $4,000 and extend the tax deduction indefinitely. It will also require the federal government to dramatically increase the number of hybrids in the federal fleet.

Hybrid electric vehicles are the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road today. Hybrids combine an electric motor with a conventional, but cleaner, gasoline powered engine to deliver above-average gas mileage. Driving a hybrid vehicle not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also limits fuel consumption by at least 50% and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.

"Hybrid vehicles help to protect our environment for our children and our children's children. This tax break coupled with rising gas prices makes purchasing a hybrid vehicle an economical and environmentally friendly decision," said Congressman Ruppersberger.

"Providing a tax incentive to promote this type of technology makes sense," said Congressman Gilchrest. "The more we can do to encourage consumers to make smart choices, the quicker we can wean ourselves from our dependence on foreign oil."

Currently, consumers who purchase a hybrid electric vehicle can qualify for a $2,000 Clean Fuel tax credit. The federal tax credit is set to be phased out by 2006.

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