House Panel passed Hybrid Waiver

Although California legislators passed a bill last year to allow hybrid owners to drive solo in HOV lanes, enacting the measure required an act of Congress. The first step to gaining that approval passed yesterday:

The House Transportation Committee on Thursday approved a $284 billion highway bill that would include the waiver California needs under a state law that took effect Jan. 1 to open the HOV lanes to hybrid cars rated at least 45 miles per gallon.

The House committee's action sends the massive public works bill to the House floor, perhaps as early as next week. The Senate has yet to begin work on its version of the measure, but both chambers are under pressure to act before May 30, when the current law runs out just as the summer construction season is beginning.

The state Legislature approved a law last year to open HOV - high-occupancy vehicle - lanes to single-occupant hybrid cars as a way to encourage their purchase. The measure needs a federal waiver to give it authority for the car pool lanes in freeways, which are federally funded and managed.