×

Ohio House bill would create EV Commission

Sales tax exemption on parts also included

Staff report

WARREN — Legislation in the Ohio House would create an eight-person, bipartisan Electric Vehicle Commission that would, in part, identify and evaluate opportunities for growth in the industry.

House Bill 292 also would create a temporary sales tax exemption for electric-vehicle production parts.

Republican joint sponsor Al Cutrona of Canfield announced the bill Friday, saying the commission “serves as an investment for job retention and economic development” in northeast Ohio.

“Remaining economically competitive within the region of Ohio and as well as with our neighboring states is a top priority,” Cutrona said.

Creating the commission, Cutrona said, is a good first step to study and make recommendations on the issue. It could happen as automakers embrace an all-electric future and already have set down a path to remake the auto industry.

Many believe Warren and Lordstown are ground zero for Voltage Valley — the name given to describe the rapid shift in the local economy toward clean technology, energy storage and electric vehicles.

The commission’s other responsibilities would include evaluating the inventory of existing electric-vehicle product facilities and production capability, assessing the labor pool in the industry and determining the opportunities and needs for training to accommodate the industry.

The sales tax carve out on electric-vehicle parts applies to components unique to the manufacture of electric vehicles. The exemption would expire at the end of 2026.

Among the bill’s 18 co-sponsors are state Reps. Michael O’Brien, D-Warren, and Michele Lepore-Hagan, D-Youngstown.

business@tribtoday.com

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today