California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed Assembly Bill 1500, by Assembly member Ted W. Lieu (D-Torrance), to continue California’s commitment to encouraging the use of low-emission, alternative fuel vehicles by extending access to HOV lanes until January 2015.
Access to HOV lanes has been an important non-monetary incentive for fleet owners to buy alternative fuel vehicles. Because fleet owners need adequate lead-time to make vehicle replacement decisions, it is important that they be assured the single occupancy HOV lane access will be continued beyond the current sunset date of 2011.
"I applaud the Governor for approving this critical environmental bill that will promote green vehicles that operate on natural gas and other clean fuels," said Tim Carmichael, President of the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, sponsor of the bill. "AB 1500 provides a real incentive for Californians to drive cars that enhance the state’s clean air, energy security, and global warming goals, while also fostering job creation and green tech growth here in California."