Is a lobbying organization for hybrid cars still just another car advocacy group?

The Detroit News reports, in "Hybrid owners get lobby: Organization will push for the existing and new incentives for users of alternative fuel cars," that the Civil Society Institute has organized a hybrid car owners lobby, in part as a response to car groups such as the SUV Owners of America. From the article:

Hybrid vehicle owners have it pretty good: tax credits, unlimited access to car pool lanes and free parking in some places. Now they'll have their own lobbying group in Washington. ...

The hybrid owners group is founded by the Newton, Mass.-based Civil Society Institute, a group that lobbies for higher fuel economy requirements. The site champions the goal to raise the mileage standard for all U.S. vehicles to 40 mpg, a target the auto industry says is currently unworkable.

Ron DeFore, who is spokesman for the SUV Owners of America, said the organization opposes special perks for hybrid owners. "We're not against hybrids. We just think all of the benefits for hybrid owners discriminate against people who want to drive SUVs," DeFore said.

Better that incentives go to supporting compact development and transit use.

Index Keywords: car-culture