Caltrans: Limit hybrids in carpool lane, SJ Mercury

[muesa]

Worried about increased congestion, a new Caltrans report recommends capping the number of hybrids that can be driven solo in state carpool lanes at current levels.

That conclusion may create a dilemma for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a hybrid supporter, because a bill on his desk would allow more hybrid owners special access to the diamond lanes, for a longer period of time.

The Caltrans study -- which has not been officially released but was obtained Thursday by the Mercury News -- shows that carpool-lane congestion on each of the state highway routes in the Bay Area analyzed had increased during the past year.

Hybrids were first allowed in carpool lanes in August 2005. The report's authors said they cannot conclusively say that the rule change is the reason for increased delays on the six freeways studied -- Highway 4, Interstate 80 and I-880 in the East Bay and highways 85, 101 and 237 in the South Bay.

But, the report concludes: ``At this time, it is recommended that no additional hybrid decals be issued beyond the 75,000 decal limit . . . given that the (carpool) demand is likely to grow further as a result of the high cost of gasoline.''

[muesa]

1. And meanwhile - the Severance Tax Referendum

Referendum on the California Ballot for a Petroleum Severance Tax (California is the third largest oil producing state after Texas and Alaska; both Texas and Alaska have a severance tax). The proceeds would go for research, development, engineering, and implementation of clean, green, renewable energy.

Pro:

Con:

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

2. If we had a sane government, we would tax the shit out of dirty energy

And use the money for R&D for the future.

Oh well, the future for GOPers is the next quarterly earnings statement. Fuck anything beyond that.