Lieu Bill to Reduce Petroleum Dependence Signed by the Governor

“AB 2600 is a very effective way to encourage the purchase of low polluting alternative fuel vehicles,” said Assemblymember Lieu. “This is a common sense way of working to decrease air pollution from traffic congestion, particularly in heavily urbanized areas where air pollution tends to be the worst and traffic congestion is the greatest.”

HOV lane access for single occupancy drivers of alternative fuel vehicles has proven to be a very popular program that has been an important incentive for fleets to purchase alternative fuel vehicles that are very low polluting and reduce California’s dependence on petroleum and its contribution to global warming.

“People purchase hybrids for different reasons, but if they knew the carpool program is going to expire next year, they might not buy,” said Lieu. “We need to do everything we can to encourage the use of alternative-fuel vehicles.”

Mike Eaves, President of the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, applauded the Governor’s signature. “We’re very pleased the Governor has agreed to extend HOV lane access for natural gas and other alternative fuel vehicles another 3 years,” stated Eaves. “The infusion of alternative fuels into the marketplace is a key for California to cut its petroleum dependence and reduce global warming. AB 2600 is a good example of an incentive that encourages alternative fuels without costing the state money.”

AB 2600 is supported by numerous environmental organizations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Coalition for Clean Air and the Planning and Conservation League. It will take effect on January 1, 2007.