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It is my understanding that the CARB staff have recommended to the
Board that hydrogen technology, AGAIN, be treated with more
credits and funding for automakers than battery electric vehicle
technology.  What this has lead to in the past is investment in
hydrogen technology, which is less efficient, mostly is derived
from fossil fuel s and, by its proponents, is labeled as "far off"
in even small-scale implementation.  

We need a solution NOW.  Battery electric cars have been on the
road and continue to serve thousands of drivers daily. We need to
give automakers an incentive and push to invest in this PROVEN
technology. ...

What battery electric vehicles (BEV) can address:

NATIONAL SECURITY:

Electric fuel is produced in the USA - no movement of or money to
conflict-ridden regions with anti-American policies

ENVIRONMENT:

Reduction of greenhouse gasses.  No tail pipe = no exhaust.  US
electricity is the only fuel source that keeps getting cleaner. 
In Ca, our electricity mix is muc h cleaner generally due to
significant installations of wind! , solar, geothermal and hydro
power.  No need to drill in wildlife preserves - such as Alaska. 
Fueling infrastructure is already EVERYWHERE.

PUBLIC HEALTH:

Reduction in pollutants from million of cars in our communities =
cleaner air for us to breathe and less asthma exacerbations. 
Remember, each internal combustion car is its own mini powerplant.
 We depend on each car owner to maintain their vehicle so it
pollutes the least amount.  Does this happen?  How many gross
polluters have you been behind?

HUMAN RIGHTS: 

Many oil rich countries have regressive and deadly policies
towards women, minorities an their own people in general.  How
much of our money goes to implementing these policies?

SOCIAL JUSTICE:

Many impoverished communities are located in urban areas and next
to freeways.  Think no idling vehicl es and tailpipes.  Also, with
investment into this technology the prices for vehicles will
decrease.  Electric motors are hugely less complex than internal
combustion motors.  Maintenance (not including tires and wipers)
can be VERY inexpensive.  In 5.5 years, David and I have paid $400
TOTAL for mechanical failures.

ECONOMIC:

We all know the US' auto companies are losing market share to
other competitors.  It was announced earlier this week that Honda
just overtook Chrysler on the list of top 5 automakers for
example.  These requirements will push them to innovate and
compete in a direction the market is going - especially given gas
prices.  Plug-in hybrids and battery electric technology are one
piece of the sustainable and renewable energy equation this nation
needs to move into an economic renaissance.

The affects of green house gasses on our environment are growing
more deadly as every day that passes. We do not have much time to
turn this around. The BEV is a vital piece to help in this fight
for survival of the planet.