A.M. Greenlist: Bad news for cars -- even hybrids

>> U.S. automakers can't find buyers. "Sales by the three Detroit companies are down 10.4 percent so far this year. Their combined market share in March was 48.4 percent, nearly a record low. Ford’s sales were off 7.6 percent last month, and G.M. and Chrysler both reported declines of about 13 percent."

>> Hybrid owners may have to pay for metered parking soon. Reversing its previous decision to extend the free hybrid parking policy to 2011, the L.A. City Council has decided to "study the cost of the program as the city faces dramatic budget problems." (via L.A. Now)

>> Hydrogen Highway: Going nowhere fast. Despite Governor Schwarzenegger's promise of "a new era for clean California transportation," oil companies remain reluctant to build hydrogen fueling stations -- even with matching state funds. "There are just 175 vehicles in California running on hydrogen, nearly all of them experimental and in government fleets. Retail sales are about 10 years away by most expectations." (via grist)

>> A greasoline driver likes the biodiesel ride, and wears grease love on the license plate. "Fry-o-Diesel"! (Photo via Franklin Ave)

>> 18 states, including California, sued the EPA for failing to act to regulate greenhouse gases from vehicle emissions. This lawsuit comes after the EPA's refusal to let California set tougher standards for car emissions, and EPA's recent announcement that it'll delay its decision on greenhouse gases further by taking in public comments for a lengthy period.

In other news:

>> The L.A. City Council's given a preliminary okay to raise DWP's water and electrical rates. The measure gets another, final vote next week.

>> Don't want to pay the higher electrical rates? Get solar-powered without dealing with hefty initial costs. Some solar companies are letting homeowners pay just a tenth of the total installation cost up front.

Photo by andropolis via Flickr

Comments

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Are there any incentives out there for apartment building owners to add solar panels? Not having control over how I get my power, heat my water, etc. and not having a garden are the only reasons I really I would desire a house. I wish LA or California would do something to help encourage these things because many people like me can't even think about affording a house here, which makes other parts of the country much more attractive....