The Biden administration has classified some of the nation's most elite and upscale neighborhoods as “low-income” areas, making them eligible for electric vehicle (EV) charger subsidy programs.

The administration's EV charger tax credit program, made possible by President Joe Biden's signature climate bill, the Inflation Control Act (IRA), specifically: design Directing subsidies to “low-income” or “non-urban” areas of the country.Emphasis on “low-income” eligibility is consistent with the spirit of the Biden administration. wider The pursuit of so-called “environmental justice.” This is, in effect, a combination of social justice ideology and environmental policy.

Numerous elite hangouts and regions, such as Montauk and Fishers Island in New York state, Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, and parts of Nantucket Island, are classified by the government as “low-income” and receive subsidies for EV chargers. It is one of the eligible areas. according to Based on analysis of the Department of Energy's (DOE) interactive eligibility map by the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Building a nationwide charging network is an important support plan for the Biden administration's EV policy, but the charging infrastructure that currently exists is concentrated In the country's wealthier and more densely populated coastal areas. The Biden administration's tax credit program is aimed at easing the cost of building chargers, especially in non-urban and less affluent areas where chargers are less likely to be installed.

“This tax credit provides up to 30% off the cost of chargers for individuals and businesses in low-income and non-metropolitan areas, making it more affordable to install EV charging infrastructure and supporting underserved communities. Increases access to local EV charging.'' White House said January 19th.

To meet the definition of “low income,” a given census tract must have a poverty rate of 20 percent or higher. Alternatively, if the median household income is less than 80% of the median household income for the metropolitan area, or if the particular census tract is not part of a particular metropolitan area, then the area is eligible. You can get it. according to Pursuant to Section 45D(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.

But in practice, the latter definition of a “low-income” area means that places that are not colloquially considered “low-income” because they are located in a wealthy state or metropolitan area can still qualify for the credit. I can. (Related: Biden's EV dreams could come to a screeching halt as consumer enthusiasm wanes)

Sen. Stabenow (D-Mich.): “I drove an electric car from Michigan to here last weekend, and I went to every gas station, no matter how high they were.”

Wait until she finds out how electricity is generated pic.twitter.com/OS5TN78gbz

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) June 7, 2022

For example, Nantucket Island, one of the most luxurious summer vacation destinations favored by New England's elite, has nearly half of its land area eligible for EV charger subsidies, according to the DOE's interactive eligibility map.

The Vineyard Haven neighborhood on Martha's Vineyard, another destination frequented by New England's upper class, also qualifies as a “low-income” area, according to DOE maps. By the way, many of the homes in the area are worth well over $1 million. Several properties cherished From about $2 million 5 million dollars.Former President Barack Obama also owns a huge fortune of $11.7 million. estate On the island.

A large area of ​​Cape Cod, another expensive region, is also eligible for “low-income” EV subsidies. This includes Hyannis, the longtime home of the Kennedy political dynasty, and Great Island, home to many multi-million dollar properties.

According to the Biden DOE, all of Fishers Island, New York, is also considered a “low-income” area eligible for the subsidy. The island is an “upscale enclave where generations of wealthy families gather to enjoy sailing and golf.” according to To the Wall Street Journal. Historically, American royal families like the Roosevelts, Rockefellers, and DuPonts went to Fisher's Island for vacations. according to to the New York Post.

A sizable portion of Montauk, a quaint and expensive Long Island vacation spot frequented by wealthy New York City metropolitan area residents, will also receive “low-income” EV charger subsidies through 2029, according to DOE maps. subject to.

Some property valuations in Montauk's “low-income” areas are exorbitant.Indeed, the value of a house is $17 million At Jiro. Real estate websites value different homes in the area at: Just under $10 millionthe other is evaluated as: Over $6 million. Many other homes in the area with appraised values ​​well over $2 million also qualify for EV charging subsidies.

In New York City, a three-block area on the upscale Upper East Side qualifies as a “low-income” area, as does a 28-block area near Times Square in the middle of Manhattan, according to DOE maps. be.

A section of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, just a few miles from President Joe Biden's summer home, is also eligible for subsidies as a “low-income” area, according to DOE maps.Multiple properties in Rehoboth Beach's “low-income” neighborhood have appraised values ​​of more than $2 million, including one valued at more than $2 million. 4 million dollars And the other one is worth more 6 million dollarsaccording to Zillow.

There are several upscale West Coast neighborhoods that the Biden administration considers “low-income.”

For example, large swathes of San Francisco qualify for subsidies as “low-income” areas. Located on the northern boundary of the eligible area in the North Beach District; one property The two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom property is estimated by Zillow to have a market value of more than $2 million. Several other properties In the eligible zone, they are worth well over $1 million each.

In Los Angeles, several blocks in the famous Beverly Hills area qualify as “low-income” areas for subsidies, according to DOE maps. This is despite the fact that real estate values ​​in that particular area are almost universally well over $1 million, and there is no shortage of $2 million properties.

A large swath of the city south of UCLA and between Los Angeles Country Club, Brentwood Country Club and Bel Air Country Club is also eligible for the grant, according to DOE maps. .

The DOE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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