CA has been out of compliance for some time with Federal requirements that it's HOV lanes maintain a minimum rush-hour average speed of 44mph. In trying to bring the State back into compliance, there has been talk about letting the current set of HOV stickers expire; along with the law governing them, come January 2011.
Others say, and I'm in agreement, that it's time for new legislation where hybrids are kicked out and new stickers are issued only to NGVs and EVs. In fact, there is a bill in CA (SB 535), currently inactive, that more or less does just that, raising the minimum combined fuel economy on eligible hybrids to 65mpg (so still allowing PHEVs).
Hybrid owners have had a darn good run for their money, but it's really time to give it up to the next generation.
Others say, and I'm in agreement, that it's time for new legislation where hybrids are kicked out and new stickers are issued only to NGVs and EVs. In fact, there is a bill in CA (SB 535), currently inactive, that more or less does just that, raising the minimum combined fuel economy on eligible hybrids to 65mpg (so still allowing PHEVs).
Hybrid owners have had a darn good run for their money, but it's really time to give it up to the next generation.