[Sen. Pavley] – A new state spending plan sent to the governor by California lawmakers includes an incentive aimed at boosting sales of low-emission, plug-in hybrid cars.

AB 95, a bill that implements part of the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1, would expand to 85,000 from a current 70,000 the number of vehicles eligible to carry a so-called green sticker.

The sticker allows drivers of such low-polluting cars to use carpool or “HOV” lanes, even if they are not carrying passengers.

“The supply of ‘green stickers’ for plug-in hybrids has not kept up with the demand,” said Pavley, D-Agoura Hills. “To make sure this incentive remains effective, the supply of green stickers needs to be increased.”

The green sticker incentive approved Monday by legislators is similar to a Pavley bill, SB 39, which is in the Assembly after passing the Senate.

“Research shows that consumer incentives matter when buying zero emissions vehicles,” said Curt Augustine, director of policy and government affairs for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “Thanks to Senator Pavley’s efforts, this proven program will continue – at no taxpayer cost – to put more drivers behind the wheel of cleaner cars, saving consumers money, and reducing emissions.”

The green sticker program is scheduled to expire on Jan. 1, 2019.

Fran Pavley represents western portions of the Santa Clarita Valley in the state Senate.