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The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is meeting this week, and it may enact strict new regulations on California companies that provide plug-in hybrid technology, as detailed in this excellent article by Robert Gammon of the East Basy Express.

Why would an agency that purports to be concerned about our air quality want to make it more difficult, if not impossibly impractical to implement a promising new approach that will reduce air poluution, save money and reduce our reliance on foreign oil?

As Gammon explains, it has to do with the catalytic converter, and concerns about gasoline vapors that are released during a high-pollution event known as a cold start. There’s a simple fix — you just program the car’s hybrid software to turn the engine on at ignition (even though you’ll be powered by the electric battery up to 30 MPH or so), so that it warms the catalytic converter and avoids the offending cold-start belch of vapor.

As Gammon, concludes, this is not the time to squelch innovation by putting an  onerous load upon startups:

Clearly, the board’s proposed regulations on plug-in hybrids are not in keeping with last month’s vote, nor will they help California maintain its leadership role in combating greenhouse gases. It also makes no sense to snuff out the efforts of green entrepreneurs before they’ve even had a chance to grow.

If you agree, let CARB know! They are taking comments on this matter before they meet Thursday and Friday.  Go here and tell them you do not agree with these proposed regulations.

Here’s some sample language:

Please look at the big picture and consider the negative consequences that will ensue should you require expensive emissions testing of every plug-in hybrid model. Now is the time to spur innovation, and encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies. I urge you to work with small firms who are bringing more fuel-efficient automotive technologies to the market, rather than making it much more difficult for them.

Thanks for your help!

Posted by Tom Stacey on January 21st, 2009 Filed under News • Tagged air quality, California Air Resources Board, CARB, innovation, PHEVs, plug in hybrids