ARB Shows Signs of Moving in the Right Direction

The Zero Emission Vehicle Program was on the agenda of the May meeting of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). A strong showing of plug-in car advocates, including Plug In America, helped guide the board to express to staff a position of "no back-sliding" in the words of long-time Board Member and plug-in car supporter Dorene D'Adamo.

PIA Executive Director Chelsea Sexton's public comments included a call for technology neutrality between battery electrics and hydrogen fuel cells, to end the ARB bias in favor of the more expensive, less viable ZEV option. She also called for greater credit for plug-in hybrids.

The process of determining how the Mandate will go forward is unfolding. Supporters of plug-in choices need to make our voices heard. Well-funded lobbyists for the auto, hydrogen, and oil industries need to be countered with our citizen input.

Send your support for plug-in cars to:

Dr. Robert Sawyer, Chair Air Resources Board 1001 "I" Street PO Box 2815 Sacramento CA 95812

Here's a sample letter:

Dear Dr. Sawyer, I want to have the choice to use cleaner, cheaper, domestic electricity to power my car. It is time for CARB to once again advance plug-in cars, including battery electric cars and plug-in hybrids. Grid-connected vehicles can make an extraordinary contribution to reducing tailpipe emissions, including greenhouse gases, by eliminating the tailpipe. Additionally, plug-ins can drastically reduce our dependence on petroleum. The ZEV mandate has already proven the technological and economic viability of all-electric cars, as well as the unmet demand. CARB should do everything possible to expedite the near-term availability to consumers like me of electric cars and plug-in hybrids.