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Roadblock to Hybrids on HOV Lanes Cleared

July 28, 2005

Washington, D.C. - A transportation bill headed for final passage by Congress would clear the way for California and other states to allow hybrid vehicles on HOV lanes.

Congressman Brad Sherman earlier this year introduced hybrid car legislation along with a California colleague, Congressman Darrell Issa.

œThis will give California and other states a way to ease freeway congestion and encourage the use of more fuel-efficient cars, Sherman said.

Current federal law limits HOV lanes to vehicles with a driver and at least one passenger, vehicles fueled by natural gas and electric cars.

The California law, authored by Assemblywoman Fran Pavley and signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, allows solo drivers of hybrids that get at least 45 miles per gallon to use carpool lanes. The state law was to go into effect last January 1, but implementation has been delayed until the federal law was changed.

The measure included in the Surface Transportation Act, like Shermans original proposal, would allow states to regulate when and where hybrid vehicles would be exempt from HOV regulations. A state could limit or restrict the exemption in areas where HOV lanes are already at full capacity.

œI believe it is important that the states have the flexibility to regulate the hybrid use of HOV lanes within their state, Sherman said. œIn some areas, it may not be favorable to have hybrids in HOV lanes due to congestion; in other areas, allowing hybrids in HOV lanes may provide additional incentives for consumers to use this technology. In either case, the decision should be left up to the states, and the federal government should permit the states to make this decision.