Rep. Greg Stanton and Mark DeSaulnier Introduce Legislation to Incentivize Electric Vehicle Use and Reduce Congestion

Strategic Insights -

Congressman Greg Stanton and Representative Mark DeSaulnier have introduced the HOV Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act, a bill aimed at promoting the use of alternative fuel and electric vehicles by reauthorizing the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane Exemption program under the Department of Transportation through 2031. This program allows states to grant electric and alternative fuel vehicles access to HOV lanes, which eases congestion and incentivizes the transition to clean energy vehicles. Without an extension, the program is set to expire on September 30, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The HOV Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act aims to incentivize alternative fuel and electric vehicle use by reauthorizing the HOV Lane Exemption program under the Department of Transportation through 2031.
  • The program allows states to grant electric and alternative fuel vehicles access to HOV lanes, easing congestion and promoting the use of clean energy vehicles.
  • Without an extension, the program is set to expire on September 30, 2025.
  • The legislation is supported by several industry organizations, including the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Center for Transportation and the Environment, Electric Drive Transportation Association, and Zero Emission Transportation Association.
  • Representatives Greg Stanton and Mark DeSaulnier are members of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and have introduced the bill as a means of alleviating congestion and protecting the environment.
  • Congressman Greg Stanton serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
  • He also serves in leadership of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of more than 100 moderate, solutions-oriented Democrats.

Statistics:

  • The HOV Lane Exemption program is set to expire on September 30, 2025, unless the legislation is passed.
  • The program allows 10 states to grant electric and alternative fuel vehicles access to HOV lanes, with Arizona being one of the states that has already implemented the policy.
  • Electric vehicles can save drivers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in gas money annually.
  • The use of electric vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles can reduce greenhouse gas emissions to address the threat of climate change.

Sources:

  • Rep. Greg Stanton's News Release: Stanton, DeSaulnier Introduce Legislation to Incentivize Electric Vehicle Use, Alleviate Congestion, and Protect the Environment (August 13, 2025)
  • Rep. Mark DeSaulnier's Statement on the Introduction of the HOV Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act
  • House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
  • 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