Overview

• The UBA proposes income-based purchase premiums for electric cars that offer higher grants to low-income households and set earnings caps to exclude wealthier buyers.
• A special renovation program would target the most poorly insulated homes, directing funds to upgrades that reduce emissions and ease costs for low-income residents.
• Messner suggests capping electricity relief to a fixed annual amount to assist low-income households without benefiting heavy consumers.
• He also recommends state investment in hydrogen infrastructure alongside natural climate measures such as peatland restoration and forest management.
• The federal government is reviewing the UBA’s recommendations as it finalizes plans to deploy €500 billion in special climate and transport funding.