PRINTER'S NO. 3710
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
861
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY RABB, HANBIDGE, KIM, SHUSTERMAN, FREEMAN, MURT,
ZABEL, McCARTER, DONATUCCI, HILL-EVANS, LEE, OTTEN, MALAGARI,
GAYDOS AND GAINEY, MAY 4, 2020
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, MAY 4, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to
conduct a study of electric vehicles and issue a report of
its findings to the General Assembly.
WHEREAS, As of 2019, there are approximately 2,829
structurally deficient bridges in this Commonwealth that require
significant infrastructure repairs; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has one of the highest motor
vehicle fuel taxes in the nation and uses funds from this tax to
repair and maintain 120,000 miles of State and local highways
and 32,000 miles of State and local bridges; and
WHEREAS, Technological advancements and government incentives
have spurred an increase in the popularity of electric vehicles,
which do not pay the State motor vehicle fuel tax; and
WHEREAS, In January 2019, Governor Wolf signed an executive
order establishing a Statewide goal of reducing Pennsylvania's
greenhouse gas emissions 26% by 2025 and 80% by 2050 when
compared with 2005 levels, which includes replacing 25% of the
State government passenger car fleet with electric cars and
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electric hybrid cars by 2025; and
WHEREAS, In 2013, transportation made up 23% of net
greenhouse gas emissions in this Commonwealth with 65% of these
net emissions coming from gasoline-powered vehicles and 26%
coming from diesel-powered vehicles; and
WHEREAS, Each mile driven by an electric vehicle has the
potential to emit 50% less greenhouse gases than a gasoline-
powered vehicle by 2033; and
WHEREAS, States throughout the nation have implemented road
usage fees for electric vehicles, including a pilot program in
Oregon to tax vehicles based on vehicle miles traveled; and
WHEREAS, The General Assembly has considered legislation that
would eliminate the alternative fuels tax on electricity for
noncommercial electric vehicles and replace it with annual
electric vehicle road use fees; and
WHEREAS, Before passing or enacting such legislation, a study
of the impact of electric vehicles and the effects of a road use
fee should be completed; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the
Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the costs and
benefits of electric vehicles on the infrastructure,
environment, employment, transportation and economy of this
Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study include analysis of a mileage-based
transportation funding mechanism for all vehicles and of an
annual electric vehicle road use fee; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study include recommendations for fees and
other incentives related to the growing proportion of electric
vehicles sold and driven in this Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
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hold at least one public hearing prior to preparing a report on
its findings and accept testimony from affected parties and
relevant stakeholders; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
issue a report of its findings to the General Assembly within
one year of the adoption of this resolution.
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