Hybrid HOV Exemption Extension?

How does having single riding Hybrids help reduce traffic?

Actually, it is a FAR bigger help to the "system" than slugging - unless you narrowly define the system as slugging.

If slugging were eliminated while allowing hybrids to use the express lanes during peak commuting hours:
- slugs would probably have to use buses
- there would be less congestion (HOV-33 is better than HOV-3)
- the air would be cleaner
- fuel consumption would lower
- gas prices would be lower
- the economy would improve (just like cash for clunkers, but with no taxpayer subsidy)

THAT'S why the grandfathered expemption always passes with a HUGE majority - it just makes sense!

HB 1432 overwhelmingly passed the House by 90 to 8 January 31, 2011. Its companion Senate bill is in Committee with a positive impact statement. Last year the Senate unanimously passed the hybrid exemption by 40 to 0. Odds seem quite high the exemption will be extended through June 30, 2012.

HOVME

Found the voting history for last years bill that extended it to 2011.

ALBO voted for the extension!

HB 214 HOV lanes; extends date for use by vehicle with clean special fuel license plates.

floor: 01/26/10 House: VOTE: --- PASSAGE (78-Y 17-N)

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YEAS--Abbitt, Albo, Alexander, Armstrong, Athey, Bell, Richard P., Bell, Robert B., Brink, Bulova, Byron, Carrico, Cleaveland, Cline, Comstock, Cosgrove, Cox, J.A., Cox, M.K., Crockett-Stark, Dance, Ebbin, Edmunds, Englin, Greason, Griffith, Herring, Hope, Howell, A.T., Hugo, Iaquinto, Ingram, James, Janis, Johnson, Jones, Keam, Kilgore, Knight, Landes, LeMunyon, Lewis, Lohr, Loupassi, Marshall, D.W., Marshall, R.G., Massie, May, McClellan, Merricks, Miller, J.H., Miller, P.J., Morefield, Morgan, Nutter, O'Bannon, Oder, Orrock, Peace, Phillips, Plum, Pogge, Pollard, Putney, Rust, Scott, E.T., Scott, J.M., Sherwood, Shuler, Sickles, Stolle, Surovell, Tata, Toscano, Tyler, Ward, Ware, O., Ware, R.L., Watts, Wright--78.

NAYS--BaCote, Barlow, Carr, Cole, Garrett, Gear, Gilbert, Joannou, Lingamfelter, McQuinn, Morrissey, Nixon, Poindexter, Purkey, Spruill, Villanueva, Mr. Speaker--17.

ABSTENTIONS--0.

NOT VOTING--Abbott, Anderson, Kory, Torian--4.

Delegate Howell, W.J. recorded as nay. Intended to vote yea.

Here's the response I got from Dave Albo:

"Thank you for writing in opposition to an extension of the HOV Clean Fuel Plate Exemption. Del. Thomas Greason has introduced HB 1432, which is officially summarized:

HOV lanes; use by vehicle with clean special fuel license plates. Extends until July 1, 2012, the sunset on use of HOV lanes by clean special fuel vehicles, regardless of the number of occupants.

This bill is currently awaiting a hearing in the Committee on Transportation. Because I do not serve on that committee, I will not be able to affect the bill’s progress unless it reaches the floor of the House of Delegates. However, if it does so, you may be sure that I will take your views into consideration. If you would like to track the progress of HB 1432, or any other bill, you may do so through my website, www.davealbo.com. Just click “Track Legislation” and type in the bill number.

Again, I appreciate you taking the time to write. I always enjoy hearing from my constituents, so if you have any more comments, questions, or concerns, I encourage you to contact me again."