Representatives DeSaulnier and Stanton Introduce Legislation to Incentivize Electric Vehicle Use, Alleviate Congestion, and Protect the Environment
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) and Greg Stanton (AZ-04) introduced the HOV Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4948) that would incentivize alternative fuel and electric vehicle (EV) use, alleviate roadway congestion, and protect the environment by reauthorizing the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption program under the Department of Transportation through 2031. This program allows states the option to grant electric vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles use of HOV lanes. Without an extension, the program is set to expire on September 30, 2025.
“The use of electric vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles should be incentivized and rewarded. These cars help reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address the threat of climate change, while also helping drivers save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in gas money annually. I have seen firsthand how California’s forward-looking policies on EVs, including its HOV Exemption program, has improved quality of life and helped to protect our planet, and I am proud to advocate for the extension of this program so California and states across the country can continue to support commuters, communities, and our planet,” said Congressman DeSaulnier.
“Solo EV drivers in Arizona have been able to use the HOV lane for years. The lane exemption program doesn’t just incentivize the transition to clean energy vehicles, it eases congestion for all drivers. But without a legislative fix, this common-sense policy will expire this year,” said Congressman Stanton. “I’m proud to work with my colleague Rep. DeSaulnier to extend this program.”
“This is important leadership from Rep. DeSaulnier who knows that HOV lanes are popular with drivers, create faster commutes and help encourage the adoption of alternative fuel and electric vehicles across the country. If Congress doesn’t act, this incentive expires on September 30, so we urge the passage of this commonsense policy that will keep HOV lanes open for any driver that chooses an alternative fuel or zero emission vehicle,” said John Bozzella, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, President and CEO.
“EDTA supports the HOV Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act and applauds Rep. DeSaulnier’s leadership on this important issue. High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes have been part of the metropolitan tool kit for more than 30 years, giving transportation planners critical options to reduce the economic and environmental impacts of congestion. Extending their authority to allow HOV lane access for advanced vehicle technologies helps drivers reduce the cost and time of their commutes while helping communities to reduce congestion and air pollution. It’s a win/win and we look forward to working with the Congressman to ensure it becomes law,” said Genevieve Cullen, Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), President.
“The discretionary authority for state, county, and local governments to permit alternative fuel vehicles to use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on federal highways has been Congressionally authorized for twenty years. The HOV Lane Exemption Program Reauthorization Act simply reauthorizes this longstanding discretionary authority, which is currently set to expire on September 30, 2025. ZETA is grateful for Rep. DeSaulnier’s support of this important policy, and urges Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to advance this commonsense piece of legislation,” said Rebecca Konolige, Zero Emission Transportation Association, Director of Federal Affairs.
“The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) supports the reauthorization of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption Program through 2031. This program provides states the flexibility to create exemptions for certified alternative fuel and electric vehicles, promoting the nationwide adoption of low- and zero-emission vehicles, shortening commutes, and reducing emissions. As experts in zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, CTE recognizes the foundational role that light-duty alternative fuel vehicles play in developing infrastructure and supporting industry growth. CTE endorses Representative DeSaulnier's High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act for its benefits to both commuters and industry,” said Jaimie Levin, Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), Director of West Coast Operations.
“The hydrogen mobility industry is extremely grateful for the leadership of Representative Mark DeSaulnier and Greg Stanton in championing the HOV Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act,” said Frank Wolak, President & CEO of the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA). “Ensuring states have flexibility to utilize alternative fuel vehicles like hydrogen on HOV corridors is an important step to advancing next-generation mobility and reducing America’s transportation emissions."
The HOV Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act is supported by Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Center for Transportation and the Environment, Electric Drive Transportation Association, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association, Renewable Fuels Association, Renewable Natural Gas Coalition, The Transport Project, Zero Emission Transportation Association.
Representatives DeSaulnier and Stanton are both members of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. Congressman DeSaulnier is also a former member of the California Air Resources Board and Chairman of the transportation committees in both the California State Assembly and the California State Senate.