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Bill Lets Hybrids in Carpool Lanes (California) March 2005Out-of-Gas writes "http://www.sacunion.com/pages/state_capitol/print/3203/Bill Lets Hybrids in Carpool Lanes Highway bill has bi-partisan support. The Associated Press Published: March 11, 2005 07:38 | Last Updated: March 13, 2005, 10:19 pm WASHINGTON - Hybrid cars would be allowed to drive in car pool lanes without passengers in California and elsewhere under a measure that passed the House Thursday as part of an extensive highway bill. The measure would give states the authority to allow low-emission vehicles into car pool lanes through 2009. That would allow a California law allowing hybrids into car pool lanes to take effect. The measure must still pass the Senate and be signed by President Bush. Both the House and the Senate agreed to a provision allowing hybrids onto car pool lanes as part of last years transportation bill, but that legislation never made it to Bushs desk. The states law, signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in September, applies to hybrids that get at least 45 miles per gallon. It requires drivers of hybrids to obtain special decals from the Department of Motor Vehicles and sets a limit of 75,000 decal. It sunsets after three years and provides for periodic review by California transportation officials. Because federal transportation money helps pay for car pool lanes, the federal government sets the rules for them, and current regulations require cars in the lanes to carry one or more passengers. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Reps. Brad Sherman, D-Sherman Oaks, and Darrell Issa, R-Vista, have introduced stand-alone bills to let Californias hybrids law take effect. Hybrid cars are powered by a gas engine in combination with an electric motor. | ||
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