Washington State HB 2106 – 2011-12 Authorizing plug-in vehicles to use high occupancy vehicle lanes regardless of vehicle occupancy. It looks like it could use a nudge. A phone call, letter or e-mail does make a big difference. You can find your Legislators here: Find Your Legislator Here is the bill summary: HB 2106 - 2011-12 Here is the text of the bill: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/2106.pdf
In case you're wondering where they came up with such a low number... ... here's my guess: Also of note:
Bring it to Oregon too please! For that matter, how about a few more lanes for HOV/EV... like Hwy 26, 217, 84, and just generally more of I5.
Or -- I know this Japanese dude who can get you one or two VERY realistic inflatable girlfriends ... :redface:
Yeah only one... it's lame. About 5 miles of I5 North bound (only), right up to the Interstate bridge that take you into Washington.
Isn't it amazing how the come up with these numbers? Fed tax credit also maxed out at exactly the size of the Volt's battery pack as well.
I contacted both of my 22nd district congressmen (Reps. Chris Reykdal and Sam Hunt) regarding HB 2106-2011-12. These are their responses: Thank you for the email in support of HB 2106, which would authorize plug-in vehicles to use HOV lanes regardless of vehicle occupancy. This bill was introduced in the 2011 session, however it was not scheduled for a hearing in the Transportation Committee and was not considered in 2011 or 2012. The Legislature adjourned in April and does not reconvene until January 2013. It is not until this time that new legislation can be considered. Anything introduced in the previous biennium does not carry forward, so this legislation would have to be re-introduced. If it is re-introduced, I would likely support it. Sincerely, Rep. Sam Hunt This is a great topic! I haven't followed the regulation in other states but will certainly keep my eyes open. Clearly this would be a huge incentive for electric vehicle drivers and would add important support to our state's fleet conversion. It is probably a very good early-stage incentive. Of course, long-term if everybody were driving electric vehicles, we would take 50% of carbon emissions out of the air (very good outcome), but do nothing to address congestion (bad outcome). So somehow our policy still needs to add further incentive for dual occupancy vehicles. I struggle a bit still with allowing motorcycles. Of course, they are very fuel efficient but they rarely get a second car off the road and their impact to insurance costs are disproportionate. A tough trade-off. Thanks for the heads up. Let's stay in touch as this issue gets more traction. Chris So it looks like this legislation needs to be reintroduced in 2013.
Hm, I wonder what kind of paycheck they pull down for a 4 month job. Maybe I should switch careers...
Good job Odenator. Maybe your Representative, Chris Reykdal will re-introduce the bill. I believe he is on the transporation committee. That was an interesting comment about motorcycles though. A court ruled some time ago that you can drive any vehicle in HOV lane if you are pregnant. I certainly hope they closed that loophole.