CARB Date with Destiny Approaches - Take Action!

Plug In America and supporters of plug-in vehicles are making real headway with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) if the ZEV concept paper released on Friday November 9th is any indication. But there is still work to be done to ensure that the CARB takes a plug-positive position in February.

We've made a lot of progress in our call for "technology neutrality" between Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs). The concept is that all cars that achieve zero emissions out the tailpipe ought to receive the same credit and incentive. Plug In America believes, to paraphrase Gertrude Stein, a ZEV is a ZEV is a ZEV. The concept paper calls for a 1.333 to 1 ratio, a tremendous improvement over the current 10 to 1.

We still hope to see a simple, strong incentive to automakers to rapidly commercialize their plug-in hybrid programs.

On the other hand a California Energy Commission (CEC)-endorsed plan for alternative fuels has erased electric cars from history and future planning. If CARB endorses this plan at its November 15 meeting we will need to ensure it has no negative impact on the ZEV program.

Supporters of plug-in choices need to make our voices heard. Well-funded lobbyists for the auto, hydrogen, fuel cell and petroleum industries need to be countered with citizen input. CARB needs to know the public is watching.

Below is a sample letter to send to the CARB Chair, Mary Nichols. Click to go to the PIA Action page for more suggestions of what you can do now.