STICKER SHOCK

California's single-occupant hybrid sticker Long thought dead in January of 2011, the CA HOV single-occupant hybrid stickers get a stay of execution. Also, make way for electric stickers! A popular program in California for hybrid cars may have new wind in its sails. And a new one for plug-in and electric cars could provide the extra push buyers need to purchase these super green vehicles. A proposal has been sent to desk of the Governator that will extend through mid-2011 carpool lane privileges for the 85,000 hybrid vehicles enrolled in an early incentive program and create a new sticker program for up to 40,000 PHEV and all-electric vehicles to run through 2015. The current hybrid stickers permission to use carpool lanes is currently set to expire in January 2011. We're not sure why the program would only be extended six months—especially since California is widely recognized as one of the most progressive states on green policy. But at least it's a start. Hopefully, the state will realize anything that encourages us not only of electric vehicles but also hybrids will go a long way to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially the smog in LA! Ailis Aaron Wolf, Hybrid Owners of America