W.Va. Senate eliminates credit for plug-in cars

West Virginia Senate eliminates tax credit for plug-in, electric, solar cars

CHARELSTON, W.Va. (AP) -- The West Virginia Senate has voted 33-1 to eliminate the $7,500 tax credit that encouraged the sale of solar, electric, plug-in hybrid and other environmentally friendly alternative fuel vehicles.

The tax credit will remain in place only for cars and trucks that run on natural gas, butane and propane.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin proposed the bill, saying the credits had been more expensive than anticipated. The change is expected to save about $6 million in the next fiscal year.

Tomblin's administration said the credits' original purpose was to promote natural gas, which is produced in the state. The coal, wind and gas electricity that powers plug-in and electric cars is also produced in the state.

The bill also eliminates tax credits for creating infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles.