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MDE Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick was shown a new class of hybrid vehicle on Jan. 25. The Lexus hybrid, shown above, demonstrates that the consumer car market is working to provide air quality benefits without taking radical steps like adopting California car standards in Maryland. Maryland receives a fair share of hybrid vehicles, more than New York which has adopted California car-type legislation. There are more than 4,519 registered hybrid vehicles travelling Maryland roads. Studies show consumers are choosing new generation hybrids for a number of reasons--including their similarity to conventional vehicles, gasoline costs savings and concern for the environment.

Hybrid vehicles are a step in the evolution of motor cars that will ultimately lead the auto industry away from petroleum-fueled engines to other alternatives like hydrogen. The transtion will yield air quality benefits that will offset increasing vehicle miles traveled and provide real public health