Energy Bill HOV Provision Could Harm
Highway Trust Fund, ARTBA Tells Congress

Contact:
Joe Manero 202-289-4434 jmanero@artba.org		Matt Jeanneret 202-289-4434 mjeanneret@artba.org	Print this page

Washington, D.C. [October 02, 2002]—American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) President Pete Ruane told Congress Sept. 20 that granting single passenger hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles access to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, as proposed by energy legislation currently under consideration, could have the unintended consequence of eroding revenues to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF).

"Ironically, the proposed HOV provisions could increase traffic congestion by reducing funds available for road capacity enhancements," Ruane said, "negating the fuel savings and emissions reductions that are undoubtedly among the results intended by the provision's congressional sponsors."

Current federal tax law allows drivers of hybrid and non-gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicles to contribute less in highway user fees to the HTF than their fellow motorists. Absent reform of the tax laws, actions which encourage use of hybrid and alternate-fueled vehicles result in revenues foregone for transportation capital improvements.

ARTBA suggested the HOV provision be considered next year as part of the reauthorization of the nation's surface transportation law, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). "This would allow for a full examination of the impact the HOV proposal would have on transportation infrastructure investment, and would ensure that it is part of a comprehensive solution to the nation's transportation safety and capacity problems," Ruane said.

Ruane expressed the association's strong support for the passage of comprehensive energy legislation, calling it "critical to the nation's economic security and energy independence." He cautioned legislators, however, not to allow actions that would "have the unintended consequence of harming the safety and performance of the nation's transportation infrastructure."

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For 100 years, ARTBA has exclusively represented the U.S. transportation construction industry in the Nation's Capital. The transportation construction industry generates $200 billion in U.S. economic activity annually and sustains the employment of 2.5 million Americans.