Sunday, April 10, 2011

HOV Easement extended for "Clean Fuel" Vehicles

In a live teleconference with my new State Delegate, Tom Rust, I was able to ask him a few questions about the future of the HOV easement and changing the law preventing some Home Owner's Associations from banning Photovoltaic (Solar) Panels.

On the HOV easement, I am very happy to report that HB 1432 was signed by the Governor on 28 March 2011, and extends the current easement until 1 July 2012.  Specifically § 33.1-46.2 of the Virginia Code — Designation of high-occupancy vehicle lanes; use of such lanes; penalties — was modified by Chapter 735 to extend the easement into 2012.  This means another year where Hybrid and Alternate Fuel Vehicles may grace the lanes of the HOV during rush hours, which includes Electric Vehicles.

As for § 67-701 of the Virginia Code — Covenants regarding solar power — Delegate Rust informed me that Section C of that law, which is a grandfathering clause allowing HOAs established before 1 July 2008 to maintain their prohibition of solar panels.  Unfortunately, my HOA falls under this clause and with a lethargic residency in my community, it seems almost impossible to get the 80% required to overturn this prohibition.

Tom Rust became my Delegate thanks to the 2010 census and redistricting.

Finally, if you haven't voted for my video on the Electric Drive Website, please do so ASAP as voting ends 20 April!  Thanks.

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