(DailyVantage.com) – President Biden recently deviated from his administration’s approach to environmental policies, as the White House has designated various wealthy areas — such as Martha’s Vineyard — as “low-income” communities. The designation allows communities like Martha’s Vineyard to use tax credits for electric vehicle chargers, gaining the expensive equipment for reduced costs. The White House’s designation comes as the Biden administration pushes a shift to entirely electric vehicles, much to taxpayers’ dissatisfaction.
The tax credit for electric vehicle chargers was initially meant to apply to low-income areas so the less fortunate wouldn’t pay as much as other well-off communities for the equipment. The White House pushed the tax credit initiative to encourage American communities to begin the shift to electric vehicles due to the lesser impact electric automobiles have on the environment. Biden regularly discusses the environment and champions electric vehicles as the future of the United States automobile industry.
According to the White House, the tax credits reduce the cost of electric vehicle chargers by up to 30%. Individuals and businesses can utilize the tax credit system, but only those in low-income or rural areas. The White House included Martha’s Vineyard in the areas eligible for the tax credits. It prompted some online commenters to accuse the Biden administration of aiding President Biden’s political allies by giving them access to lower costs.
Martha’s Vineyard is a well-known vacation hotspot for members of America’s upper class, with homes valued in the millions of dollars. The Obama family is among the influential people who use Martha’s Vineyard and live in the region during the summer, causing some critics to accuse Biden of giving his former partner unfair access to tax credits reserved for the less affluent. The White House defended the policy, citing a loophole in defining “low-income” areas.
According to the Biden administration, a low-income area is one where the median income is below 80% of the surrounding area or the state. The designation doesn’t consider the actual wealth in the area, so Martha’s Vineyard’s status as “low-income” is correct under a technicality. Despite the location technically being “low-income,” American citizens aren’t convinced. Biden’s political opponents claim the tax credit system is another instance of Biden helping his allies at taxpayers’ cost.
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