Ore. trades in hybrid tax breaks, goes electric

Associated Press
June 12, 2009
SALEM, Ore. -

Since 1999, Oregon has given more than 11,000 buyers of gas-electric
hybrids such as the Toyota Prius tax credits amounting to $1,500.

The break has helped to make Oregon one of the top states in the
nation, per capita, for hybrids on the road.

Now the state is ready to move on to all-electric cars and drop the
tax credit for hybrid buyers.

The House passed a bill Thursday to give such credits to people who
buy all-electric cars, called “plug-ins.”

It also would make electric car manufacturers eligible for the state
business energy tax credit.

The bill is a priority for Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who has promoted
Oregon to electric car companies, including Nissan and Think, as a
place to consider for a manufacturing site.