Hybrids Flex Political Muscle

The Maryland General Assembly is considering the Maryland Clean Cars Act, which if passed, would add the state to the growing list of states that have adopted the California clean-air standards. The bill requires that by 2009, 5% of all cars sold in Maryland must be hybrids, and additional 30% of conventional vehicles must be modified to emit fewer toxins. Auto dealers fear that the law would put them at a severe disadvantage compared to neighboring states that do not have such strict environmental policies. In a show of support for the bill, sixty hybrid cars held a drive-by rally at the Maryland State House on Saturday. "Quietest traffic jam in the history of the world," said Mike Tidwell, the event's chief organizer. "The future was in that parade."

Thanks to Peter Buryk