This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

In the last three years, the Utah Legislature has taken major steps forward to support greater adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). This includes a $1,500 tax credit for consumers purchasing electric vehicles, and legislation that encourages the major utility, Rocky Mountain Power, to invest in charging stations.

These have already begun to make a real difference. EV adoption in Utah has increased, and Utah is among the top 10 states in the nation in the number of electric vehicles per capita. In fact, the whole southwestern U.S. has surprised many people, with Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Utah all in the top 10 – with bipartisan support for smart policy to expand the use of EVs.

Recently, the Legislature took another step forward when the Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment Interim Committee advanced a bill proposed by Rep. Stephen Handy to extend the EV tax credit until 2021 — and to modify it to make it even more effective at spurring EV sales. The modification would make the tax credits assignable, allowing consumers to transfer the credits to the dealer or financing agency and get a reduced purchase price at point of sale. A similar change in Colorado last year led national media to describe Colorado as the best place in the nation to buy an electric vehicle. This bill will now go before the House and Senate in the spring 2017 legislative session.

Utah has been a national leader in clean energy and clean transportation jobs. According to Environmental Entrepreneur's Q4 and 2015 Clean Jobs Report, Utah was third in the nation for announcing new clean jobs in 2015.

This EV bill will provide additional economic benefits, such as keeping fueling dollars at home. Almost half of the petroleum used in Utah comes from out of state, while the vast majority of fuel for electricity is produced instate. In addition, because EVs are about three times more efficient than a gasoline vehicle, consumers will save about $1,000 a year on fuel costs — and that money will recirculate in the local economy.

Electric vehicles also bring important air quality benefits to the residents of Utah. Along the Wasatch Front, cars are a major source of pollution. Electric vehicles are dramatically cleaner than any other alternative, reducing emissions of every important pollutant – nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. And because the electric generation mix is getting cleaner as production shifts from coal to natural gas and renewable energy, electric vehicles will get cleaner and cleaner over time. State action to support electric vehicles helps residents breathe cleaner air — and makes a statement to businesses considering locating in the region that Utah is serious about improving air quality.

Electric vehicles will continue to become more attractive in the Beehive state. Within the next two years, residents will be able to buy long-range Chevy Bolts, the first affordable EV with nearly 250 miles range between charges. In addition, funding from the Volkswagen Emissions Settlement and from Rocky Mountain Power's proposed EV charging rebates will bring EV charging to multi-family homes, workplaces, and highway corridors across the state.

By passing the EV tax credit bill in 2017, the Utah Legislature can amplify these trends, save consumers money, clear the air, and send a strong message that Utah is open to innovation and clean technology.

Susan Nedell is the Rocky Mountains advocate for Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2).