Clearing the Air

While the California Air Resources Board has been rewriting the rules aimed at ridding the state of unhealthy smog from vehicle emissions, some local governments within the state have been encouraging adoption of clean-air technology through incentives and partnerships designed to promote public acceptance. Hybrid cars are rising in popularity, but some of the programs are specifically directed at electric or hydrogen fuel-cell cars that emit no toxins.

--Starting this year, zero-emission vehicles are allowed to travel for free across the Golden Gate Bridge during commuter hours-- bypassing the $5 toll that other cars, including hybrid vehicles, must pay. A sticker on the car certifying its emission-free status ensures a wave through the toll lanes.

--The University of California campuses of Davis and Irvine have received several models of hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles for use around campus. The vehicles are considered a first step in developing a partnership between higher education, government and business to foster acceptance of the cars in the market and deal with infrastructure and technical problems that may arise. The two universities will be the hubs of zero-emissions "communities," with refueling stations and other amenities.