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EPA Pushes Pool Lane Rules for Hybrids
The EPA measure allows states to choose stricter rules. California, which has an estimated 140,000 hybrid registrations, requires the vehicles to get 45 mpg to use HOV lanes.
Nathanson said the proposal would encourage the "best and the brightest" of the hybrid choices instead of "allowing muscle hybrids or hybrids that are not really using the technology to push the envelope."
  Toyota Motor Co. President Katsuaki Watanabe unveils Lexus LS600h. featuring the world's first hybrid system combining a V8 gasoline engine and a motor with a full-time all-wheel-drive power train, during a press conference in Tokyo Thursday, May 17, 2007. The hybrid system incorporating a newly-developed 5.0-liter engine enables acceleration on par with that of a 6.0-liter vehicle, Toyota said. Two models, LS600h and LS600hL will be sold in Japan for suggested retail prices ranging from 9.7 million yen (US$80,550) to 15.1 million yen ($125,400). (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) (Koji Sasahara - AP) 
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Hybrids also could qualify as energy-efficient by achieving 50 percent or better in-city fuel economy. Dedicated alternative fuel vehicles could qualify, too, to use the lanes.
To be considered low emission, the EPA said the vehicles would need to meet federal and California emissions standards.
Scott Stapf, executive director of the Hybrid Owners of America, said 37 states have the hybrid HOV provisions or are studying the concept.
"This is a pretty hot topic at the state level," Stapf said. "Hopefully this will help."
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On the Net:
Environmental Protection Agency: http:/
Union of Concerned Scientists' hybrid center: http:/
