May 4, 2006

GOVERNOR SIGNS JUHNKE'S NEIGHBORHOOD ELECTRIC VEHICLE BILL

State Representative Al Juhnke said he was pleased that Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle bill, saying the bill will help local electric car dealers by expanding the market for the vehicles.

"I originally authored the legislation after hearing from Bruce Vruwink, a Willmar auto dealer who also wanted to sell electric cars," said Juhnke. "Bruce told me he was unable to sell these vehicles because they could not be licensed in our state. I saw this as a way to help an area business, as well as reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil. It's not the only answer, but we need to do everything we can do reduce the amount of foreign oil we use."

Juhnke said the bill would allow neighborhood electric vehicles to be licensed and operated on streets with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. The vehicles would be operated at speeds of no more than 25 mph, but at least 20 mph. The driver has to be insured and licensed.

"These vehicles could be used in city neighborhoods, parks, college campuses, airports – really anywhere that you don't need higher speeds. They're also non-polluting and extremely efficient. They cost 1.5 cents a mile to operate and you plug them in at night and take off in the morning. I'm glad we were able to get this provision passed."

Juhnke attended the signing ceremony with the other House and Senate authors.