News from Congresswoman Jane Harman

Congresswoman Jane harman - Press Release

May 28, 2002

Harman And EV Rentals Bring Alternative Technologies To LAX

-- "LAX will still be a regional economic engine, but it will be alternatively fueled" --

LOS ANGELES AIRPORT -

Congresswoman Harman today stressed the importance of alternative, cleaner technologies and energy independence by highlighting the use of hybrid vehicles by EV Rentals, an LAX rental car company.

As part of the Green Airport Initiative, Harman secured a $1,962,615 grant to expand the environmentally friendly rental car program at LAX. And as part of the Transportation and Community and System Preservation Pilot Program (TCSP), the EV Rental Cars company will receive a grant to fund cleaner, environmentally friendly automobiles.

Congresswoman Harman addresses the importance of alternative, cleaner technologies and energy independence.

EV Rentals is using the funding to purchase new hybrid vehicles from Toyota and Honda in Torrance.

Before test-driving one of the hybrid vehicles, Harman remarked, “The debate on airport growth and its impact on surrounding communities and the environment is complex. We have to keep our regional economic engine, LAX, running strong.

But the neighboring communities I represent cannot continue to bear an unfair share of the air pollution and other burdens that accompany this HUB. One solution is the use of smarter, cleaner technology.

Congresswoman Harman prepares to test-drive a hybrid vehicle

While alternative energy technology is not a panacea, it can make LAX and airports nationwide more efficient and cleaner.

EV Rentals is a perfect example. As more travelers turn to alternative vehicle rentals, the total tons of air pollution around LAX decreases. To date, Jeff Pink estimates that their rentals have cut down on the release of 25 tons of air pollution at LAX.

This means cleaner air for Westchester, El Segundo, Lennox and all the communities around LAX. LAX will still be a regional economic engine, but it will be alternatively fueled.”

Harman continued, “As the Ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Subcommittee on Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security and a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I understand the need for energy independence - and am in a position to help achieve it. And the best way to end dependence on oil imports from unsettled areas of the world. - to ensure independence - is to promote clean-burning technologies and alternative fuels.”

Harman was joined today by Jeff Pink, President, EV Rentals, Roger Johnson, Deputy Executive Director, LAWA, Angelina Galiteva, Executive Director, Strategic Planning, LADWP, Dr. Chung Liu, AQMD, Eric Sletten, M.D., volunteer, American Lung Association of California Electric.

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