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California Rebates For Hybrid, Electric Cars Restricted After Plan Criticized As Taxpayer Handout To The Wealthy

SACRAMENTO (CBS/AP) -- State lawmakers and air quality officials are restricting rebates on hybrid and electric cars because they have been claimed by hundreds of Californians who make $500,000 or more.

The Los Angeles Times reports Monday that the program as it has existed since 2010 has been criticized as a taxpayer handout to the wealthy.

Lawmakers and the California Air Resources Board are restricting the subsidies to Californians who make $250,000 as an individual or double that for a couple.

Some critics say that figure is still too high, and the rebates for higher income earners remain in place for hydrogen fuel cell cars.

The subsidies are designed to put 1 million low or no-emission vehicles on state roads by 2023.

© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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