Many states face declining gas tax revenue—not only because of electric vehicles—forcing state policymakers to consider other ways to pay for the nation’s transportation infrastructure. One growing policy trend is applying a separate registration fee for certain hybrid or electric vehicles. These fees come in addition to standard motor vehicle registration fees and proponents support the fees to bring equity among drivers by ensuring all drivers pay for using roadways.
State legislatures play a pivotal role in America’s energy mix and in 2020 considered a variety of energy policies that support the evolving energy sector and protect critical energy infrastructure. This white paper examines state legislative action in 2020, highlighting trends in state energy policy and identifying topics that are likely to take priority in 2021 and beyond.
State legislatures have shown an increased interest in pursuing legislation designed to bolster the role of energy storage in achieving clean energy goals. NCSL tracked over 260 energy storage-related measures under consideration by state legislatures in 2019 and 2020―a significant increase over the 88 storage-related bills NCSL tracked in 2017 and 2018.
This primer outlines the role of state legislatures in preparing for and responding to energy emergencies. It also provides additional context around coordination between state and tribal governments during energy emergencies, and information about the roles of governors, state agencies and the federal government in coordinating responses.
This report provides an overview of federal energy assistance programs and discusses state statutory mechanisms for creating supplemental energy assistance and energy efficiency programs for low-income residents. It also highlights state legislative efforts to ensure low-income people have access to energy efficiency programs and renewable energy technologies.
This NCSL database features bills relating to climate change, energy efficiency, energy security, financing energy projects, fossil energy, green jobs, renewable energy and alternative transportation fuels.
The NCSL Energy Program posts its many policy resources online. Feel free to view our publications, legislative summaries, newsletters, presentations from past meetings, and webinar recordings.
