This must be the year of the upheaval in legislatures. First there was the switch of the leadership to Democrats in the U.S. Congress, and now the SUVs are being run out of town in Sacramento.
California Assembly members are replacing their SUVs with hybrids, as 38 have turned in gas guzzlers for more eco-friendly wheels, according to the LA Times. The switch could save taxpayers while costing some assembly members. Taxpayers in the state pay for the gas, so legislators had no financial incentive for the switch, and in fact could pay more if the hybrid lease rates are higher than that of the SUVs.
California lawmakers are following the lead of Governor Schwarzenegger who is vigorously attacking global warming and vehicle emissions. Sure, politics is involved in the decision, but it is hypocrisy for lawmakers to say they are serious about climate change and continue to drive around in sub-20 mpg vehicles.
