California HOV usage bill update

On Wednesday August 4, the California Senate Appropriations Committee put AB2628, Representative Pavley's bill allowing some hybrids to use the HOV lanes without passengers on suspense. Apparantly the DMV was not completely ready with cost figures for consideration. The Bill will be voted on next week in the committee and assuming a positive vote, the following week in the full Senate. The automobile industry, especially Ford and Chrysler, but also Toyota want to drop the 45 mpg requirement. Doing that would lose the support of all the environmental groups and the Department of Transportation and in all likelihood kill the Bill. It would be appropriate to contact your Senator (and Representative) again to let them know that you support the Bill as is.

Thanks,