Updated July 31, 2005
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Carpool for California hybrid car drivers?
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Breaking - California
hybrid drivers will be able to use the carpool lane
Legislation by lawmakers from
California that would allow states to make their own rules for hybrids
in car pool lanes was co-sponsored by two California legislators
on Tuesday.
“This is a bill whose time has very much come,” said Rep.
Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who co-sponsored the legislation with
Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif.
If enacted, the legislation would enable a California law
letting hybrids in the carpool lanes — even without passengers
— to take effect. Other states including Arizona, Connecticut
and Georgia are contemplating similar laws and are following the
California legislation closely.
The legislation, which was scheduled to start in January was not
enacted because the Federal government has not yet approved a waiver for
California's legislation. Should California proceed without the waiver, the
state could lose future Federal highway funding.
In an article by MSNBC
it was noted "Hybrid cars “are allowing us to enhance the
environment, reduce air pollution in California, and yet we’re
not allowed to do this,” Issa said. “This bill will allow
that to happen, not just in California but for all 50
states.”"
As hybrids become more popular, the legislation does pose some
problems. For example, a Virginia law allowing hybrids into car
pool lanes resulted in such huge sales that carpoolers have
begun complaining of bumper-to-bumper traffic.
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