Abstract
Issues of climate change and the environment have been politically divisive in the United States. Some states have adopted more climate-friendly policies than others. One such policy is promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs) through offering consumer-based incentives. Consumer benefits and regulations for purchasing and operating EVs play a significant role in encouraging individuals to transition to the use of EVs. Yet, why do some states offer more incentives than others? While a primary justification is the environmental benefit EVs afford in terms of reduced carbon emissions and, consequently, improved quality of life, other political and economic factors also affect decision-making calculus of state governments. The study finds that addressing environmental decay, whether a state has a unified government, and interstate competition in attracting businesses predict the extent to which states pursue consumer benefits and regulations for purchasing and operating EVs.