San Jose, CA ---- A San Jose proposal that will provide free parking in municipal garages for eligible electric vehicles to encourage greater public use of clean-air vehicles was approved by the San Jose City Council today.

Among the incentives proposed by San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales and Councilmember Linda LeZotte is free parking for designated clean-air vehicles at the city’s off-street parking facilities, on-street parking meters, and city regional parks on a two-year pilot basis.

“Reducing pollution from conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles is an important strategy to help attain regional clean air goals,” said Mayor Gonzales. “Free parking for clean air cars is a simple step we can take to encourage more people to consider the advantages of electric-vehicles.”

Last year, the State of California adopted AB71 that authorizes single-person-occupied clean-air vehicles that are specifically marked with special decals to use carpool lanes on state highways. The San Jose City Council initiated the development of a local ordinance last fall to allow non-polluting vehicles, such as those designated by the state, to park at municipal parking facilities at no cost.

A zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) produces less than one percent of the pollution produced by a gasoline-powered vehicle.