Hybrid Car Review

New York politicians are looking to reinstate a tax break on fuel efficient cars, including hybrids. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockvill Centre). It was passed by the Senate, but not by the full assembly.

Skelos is looking to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and protect the environment. New York previously had a tax credit on hybrid cars that expired in 2005.

The bill, as it is right now, would cut the sales tax on a variety of new and used vehicles. State sales tax would be waived on new and used hybrids, fuel cell-powered vehicles, and new or used cars that get 35 mpg or better as estimated by the EPA.

A county tax might also be waived, but Nassau County Legis. Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa) would only reintroduce the legislation if the bill is passed into law.

Another bill which provides a 25 percent tax credit for the installation of tanks, piping and other infrastructure to make alternatives to gasoline like biodiesel and the "E85" ethanol/gasoline blend more available to New York motorists has also passed through the Senate.

Source: LI lawmakers seek hybrid tax exemption - Newsday.com

This bill certainly makes a lot of sense to me. There's nothing magical about hybri technology when it comes to our reduction on oil or having an impact on the environment. It is only the high fuel economy ratings they can achieve which can do that. Expanding the sales tax waiver onto other fuel saving cars makes a lot of sense to me.