Environmental Vehicles Take the Fast Lane to a Cleaner California
13 July 2000
Caravan of EVS and NGVS in Los Angeles and San Jose Celebrate HOV Lane Access
LOS ANGELES - Dozens of environmental vehicles took to the freeways today to
celebrate the implementation of Assembly Bill 71, which allows qualifying
electric and natural gas vehicles to use the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes in
California regardless of the number of occupants.
A caravan of electric and natural gas vehicles drove in style using the
"carpool" lanes from Budget EV Rental Cars locations at Los Angeles
International Airport and Ontario Airport to Exposition Park in Los Angeles,
and from Hewlett Packard in Palo Alto to Propel, Inc. in San Jose, drawing
attention from other drivers, as well as news helicopters that could see the
vividly decorated cars and trucks from the air. Speakers at each destination,
and a third location - the State Capitol in Sacramento, described the
implementation of the bill and its benefits for California's environment.
"California has always been the leader in transportation and the
environment," stated Assemblymember Jim Cunneen from San Jose, who introduced
the bill. "Now, environmentally conscientious drivers will be rewarded for
their efforts, and hopefully many more Californians will be inclined to
consider the benefits of driving alternatively fueled vehicles."
The HOV lane access has been granted to Ultra Low-Emission Vehicles
(ULEVs), Super Ultra Low-Emission Vehicles (SULEVs) and Zero Emission Vehicles
(ZEVs) that produce zero evaporative emissions. Approximately 6,000 natural
gas vehicles and 2,500 electric vehicles currently operating in California are
eligible for this access. Drivers of qualifying vehicles may obtain decal
permits from the Department of Motor Vehicles for $8. California joins a
small number of other states allowing HOV lane access for environmental
vehicles, including Arizona, Georgia, and Virginia.
Accessibility to these lanes will particularly benefit existing owners of
qualifying vehicles including the many companies currently using
environmentally friendly vehicles in their business fleets, and travelers who
rent from Budget EV Rental Car's airport locations that specialize in the
rental of environmental vehicles. Since California's fiscal year 2000 budget
allocates $860 million to freeway expansion projects that accommodate new HOV
lanes, implementation of the HOV access legislation comes at a particularly
valuable time for EV and NGV drivers.
"Electric and natural gas vehicles run significantly cleaner than
gasoline-fueled cars on the road," said Secretary Maria Contreras-Sweet of the
Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. "Reducing air pollution and
working toward a cleaner California is a top priority for the Davis
administration." Three departments are charged with implementing this
legislation including the Department of Motor Vehicles, Caltrans and the
California Highway Patrol.
Dignitaries and other officials who have been supportive of environmental
causes and the passage of this new legislation addressed audiences at the
caravans' destination points and at the State Capitol, including Secretary
Maria Contreras-Sweet; Secretary Mary Nichols; Assemblyman Jim Cunneen;
Assemblyman Bob Margett; Senator Adam Schiff; Steve Kirsch, Silicon Valley CEO
and philanthropist; Roland Hwang of the Union of Concerned Scientists; Kevin
Finney of the Coalition for Clean Air and other prominent community leaders.
Sponsors and organizers of the kick-off caravan event included American
Honda Motor Corporation, Budget EV Rental Cars, a joint effort between EV
Rental Cars and Budget Rent a Car Corporation , Ford Motor
Corporation, General Motors, The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power,
Nissan North America, Inc., Southern California Edison, Southern California
Gas Company, Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation and Toyota. Other major
partners included The ZEV Alliance, the California Electric Transportation
Coalition, and the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition.