California approves landmark pollution legislation; Schwarzenegger offers additional hybrid incentive

California made history on Friday when it approved new rules requiring automakers to reduce smog and global warming emissions from all cars and trucks 30 percent by 2016. While the legislation starts in 2009 it requires only gradual increases in emissions, achieving full implementation by 2016.

Of course the auto industry is against the legislation. "This is an issue about balancing the benefits and there are no apparent environmental health benefits for a very costly regulation for Californians," states Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers spokesperson, Gloria Bergquist. The auto industry claims the price of new vehicles will have to rise by $3000.00 per car to meet the new standards.

Yet, hybrid cars already exist which meet the requirements for 2016. Unfortunately, the entire market is owned by Japan, so the Big 3 realize they are behind in technology and must fight the citizen-benefiting legislation to compensate their corporate incompetence.

With 2009 just around the corner, hybrid technology seems the best course of action to achieve California's pollution-reducing legislation, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed additional hybrid endorsing legislation. The legislation will allow hybrid car drivers whose cars get at least 45 mpg to use car pool lanes - even with only a single driver.

As traffic in Southern California continues to increase, the Car Pool Lane can save serious time on daily commutes - a valuable commodity in the Southland.

Tax incentives, cheaper gas, and the use of car pool lanes offer a lot of reasons for SoCal car buyers to consider hybrids today. The Toyota Prius hybrid car is already a winner, and this December's release of the Honda Accord Hybrid Car make the hybrid car market a tempting one (more hybrid cars).

Oh yeah, and they help clean the environment and protect your health.