WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Lawmakers from both parties are backing a bill that would expand the 2008 federal tax credit for people who buy electric vehicles.
"This is our opportunity to be the leaders of the pack," Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said. "We need to make sure that we're keeping this going."
The goal is to encourage more people to buy electric cars by giving them a $7,000 credit. Backers say it would help automakers like Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Tesla sell an additional 400,000 electric vehicles.
"We can create jobs in Michigan and tackle carbon pollution at the same time," Stabenow said.
Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said the plan could also help out-of-work residents of his state.
"These electric cars ought to be made in plants in Ohio, especially in Lordstown," Brown said.