By Bob Katzen

The Revenue Committee held a hearing on legislation that supporters say would encourage the purchase of heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (classes 3 through 8) – if purchased before January 1, 2035.

The measure directs that in calculating the motor vehicle excise tax and the state sales tax, the taxable value of the zero-emission vehicles be based on the lesser of the vehicle’s actual list or sales price, or the median list or sales price of comparable internal combustion engine vehicles of the same class and year.

Supporters say that the proposal would encourage the purchase of zero-emission vehicles and ensure that they are not subject to disproportionately higher taxes due to higher upfront costs. They note the bill would guarantee that the state’s fiscal policy aligns its clean transportation goals.

Sens. Paul Mark (D-Becket), Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) and Joan Lovely (D- Salem), the co-sponsors of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they filed the measure.