Reps. Issa and Sherman Introduce Legislation to Let Hybrids Use Carpool Lanes

REPS. ISSA AND SHERMAN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO LET HYBRIDS USE CARPOOL LANES

Washington, DC -- Today, Congressmen Darrell Issa (R-Vista, CA) and Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks, CA) introduced legislation that would allow states to permit hybrid vehicles to use carpool lanes (high-occupancy vehicle lanes). This legislation, the Hybrid Vehicle HOV Access Act, would enable California to implement the recently passed law that allows high-mileage hybrids to use carpool lanes. Currently, federal law permits only high-occupancy (usually two persons), natural gas and electric vehicles to use HOV lanes.

The California law, authored by Assemblywoman Fran Pavley and signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, allows 45 miles-per-gallon hybrids to use carpool lanes. The law was to go into effect January 1, but implementation has been indefinitely delayed until new federal legislation is passed.

"This legislation promotes super low emission, high fuel economy vehicles," said Congressman Issa. "The Hybrid Vehicle HOV Access Act provides the flexibility to fit the needs of every state and gives automakers another incentive to invest in hybrid technology."

"States should be allowed to permit all hybrids to use HOV lanes, or, to limit this privilege to high-mileage hybrids, or, if they choose, not allow any hybrids at all," said Sherman. "The California bill works particularly well for California. Other states have different needs. I believe that the increased use of hybrid vehicles presents an opportunity to reduce our dependence on oil imports and improve air quality."

Both Issa and Sherman introduced versions of this bill last session but neither was passed into law before the 108th Congress adjourned.

http://www.issa.house.gov/press_print.asp?serial=149