We reported earlier on a Sen. Maria Cantwell's bill that would insure incentives for people who buy electric cars. The bill, co-sponsored by Utah Republican Orrin Hatch, is actually an amendment to the Senate version of the economic stimulus plan.

Cantwell's office told PubliCola she has received a commitment from Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, to get the amendment onto the stimulus package.

According to Cantwell's office, the bill will help manufacturers of electric cars and electric car parts make investments in capital, as well as incentives for the construction of refueling stations and tax relief for car buyers.

The Senate will probably vote on their version of the stimulus bill next week.