The Valley Industry and Commerce Association’s Board of Directors threw their support behind House Bill 444, the Hybrid HOV Lane Access Act introduced by Congressmen Brad Sherman and Darrel Issa. The bill, should it become law, would legitimize Assembly Bill 2628, which was turned into a law on January 1 to allow single-occupant hybrid vehicles that achieve at least 45 miles per gallon and reach a clean-air standard to use California carpool lanes. Bonny Herman, president and chief executive officer of VICA, said that HR 444 is crucial in order for AB 2628 to remain valid. Since federal funds finance the construction of the state’s carpool lanes, the assembly bill needs federal approval. “HR 44 4is merely a formality to dot the Is and cross the Ts on existing AB 2628, guaranteeing that Californians don’t lose a good thing because of a simple administrative procedure,” Herman said in a news release. “Additionally, it may contribute to the development and increased production of new automotive technologies at no cost to the taxpayer.”