An email from Michelle McQuigg :(

quote:

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Originally posted by Man of Reason
[br]I would encourage all hybrid owners to contact these same representatives noted in this thread to let them know that you are STRONGLY in favor of HB 99 and 1106.

Also note that although the "FHWA" may be against hybrid - 1 in hov (although I kind of feel cedercitynative is exagerating here) , Congress and the Bush Administration is in favor of legislative language that gives states the authority to make this determination.

MESSAGE TO ALL HYBRID OWNERS THAT TRACK SLUG-LINE:
Please implore all hybrid owners you know to monitor this site...If the Washington Post is going to use this one-sided forum as a barometer re: sentiment toward hybrids, then please make a statement here in favor of continued hybrid/hov use in addition to contacting your fed/state representatives.


Recently, I sent the following letter to my state/federal representatives:

I am a resident of Stafford County and was hoping to get an update on where any current or proposed legislation stands regarding extending the hybrid vehicle exemption on HOV lanes in Virginia, which ends after July 1, 2006. I am a strong advocate of extending the hybrid exemption in one form or another. It has given me and thousands of other residents in Virginia the ability to participate in family & community activities that would otherwise be missed (e.g. children after school activities & games, community association meetings) while continuing to work a (fairly) normal work day. In addition, the environmental impact of replacing high MPG/ultra low emission vehicles with ¡§clean fuel¡¨ substitutes, both socially and in terms of its impact on the environment, has been extremely beneficial to Northern Virginia as a whole. Has there been any other environmental law passed in recent memory that has met its objective so effectively??
That said, I understand the need to keep HOV lanes moving in order to maintain our current commuting system. And I am aware of recent recommendations made to VDOT by the Virginia transportation task force appointed to assess the state of HOV lanes with Hybrid use (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A54561-2005Jan6.html). In light of the above, I believe some compromise positions/rule changes regarding the exemption for hybrids should STRONGLY be considered instead of eliminating completely one of the most effective pieces of environmental legislation in Virginia history;

„« Consider moving to HOV ¡V 2 for Hybrids. This would effectively eliminate the incentive on I-66 but it¡¦s a compromise to the HOV ¡V 3 rule for non-hybrids on I ¡V 95. In this way, the State would still be offering an incentive to its residents to continue the purchase of clean fuel technology. As a hybrid owner, it would be an additional inconvenience but one I think is worth it in order to continue this incentive. It would also put Virginia in compliance with Federal rules regarding use of HOV lanes;

„« Consider adding an MPG stipulation that hybrids must meet/exceed 48 mpg city/51 highway. There are a number of new hybrids coming on line in the next two years. While they are ULEV and have higher MPG relative to other vehicles in their class, they do not meet the MPG standards set for current hybrids allowed in HOV lanes. Note that California has made similar adjustments to their hybrid and HOV rules (To qualify for the CA state-level HOV and toll breaks, hybrid cars have to get at least 45 miles per gallon and meet strict emission standards. It also sets a limit on the total number of exemptions);

„« Consider extending HOV hours in order to distribute traffic more evenly, in conjunction with other changes recommended;

„« Discontinue exemptions for single passenger vehicle use of HOV lanes through the Springfield Interchange (¡§Mixing Bowl¡¨). This exemption was instituted to facilitate travel while the Interchange was under construction. Now that it is mainly completed, the exemption is no longer warranted or needed;

„« Intensify the States (and regions) telecommuting campaign, particularly with the Federal Government. The bottom line in the Metropolitan Washington region is that employment and population will grow above the national average over the next 10 years (and beyond) and our commuting system cannot accommodate current transportation demands let alone those brought on by future growth in the region (not to mention the additional environmental impact this will have). The technology is readily available to allow for a secure work environment at home (for 1 or 2 days a week. I believe you still need to be in the office the majority of the time). The potential benefits are endless and make miniscule the potential risks involved (e.g. benefits include lower costs to the government, decentralization of work makes the area a ¡§harder target¡¨ for terrorists to attack and of course the numerous benefits of having fewer commuters on the road). Yet Federal agencies continue to stonewall employee requests off-site work arrangements.

Thank you for your time and consideration!

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