Green Counsel

Hybrid Vehicles Can Use HOV Lanes in Arizona

Arizona just announced that hybrid vehicles including Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius will be permitted to use 73 miles of high-occupancy vehicle lanes if their owners get new plates and special permits from the AZ Motor Vehicle Division.

According to Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, "We're using a variety of strategies to begin to clear the air in Arizona. Drivers who make the commitment to clean air and energy efficiency will get an easier commute. That seems like a good trade to me."

The plan will also ban some alternative-fuel vehicles such as SUV's and pick-ups that can now use the special lanes.

Ten Steps Toward Sustainability -- Step 7: Encourage Green Transportation

Communities can take hundreds of steps to reduce emissions from motor vehicles and green their transportation systems. Some of the better ones: use hybrid fleets; create "Safe Routes to School" projects and participate in "Walk to School Week"; appoint a cycling coordinator, build bicycle lanes, and provide for widespread bicycle parking; and provide a jitney bus service to get commuters to the train. For more information, see Walkable Communities and Walktoschool.org. For information on the new Jitney programs in New Jersey, click here.

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Act Locally: Ten Steps Toward Sustainability:

What is Sustainability?
Step 1: Create a Sustainability Task Force
Step 2: Support Local Business
Step 3: Incorporate LEED and Energy Efficiency Standards in Buildings
Step 4: Set A Goal of Zero Waste
Step 5: Enact Environmentally-Friendly Land Use Laws
Step 6: Create Biotic Corridors