States join to increase number of electric vehicles

A group of U.S. states has agreed on measures to facilitate an increase in the number of electric cars, hybrid vehicles, and hydrogen-fueled machines traveling their roads during the next 12 years.

The pact, which involves eight states, does not detail the specific steps that will be taken to encourage more purchases and use of the low-pollution vehicles. Instead, the agreement commits the states to decide on those actions within six months.

"This initiative will help states reduce transportation-related air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy diversity, save consumers money, and promote economic growth,” Gov. John Kitzhaber, D-Ore., said.

Motor vehicles that are not dependent on petroleum are becoming more common in the United States, although they represent only a small fraction of all vehicles in operation.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, more plug-in electric vehicles were sold in the nation during the first eight months of this year than were sold within the United States during all of 2012.

The interstate accord announced Thursday could increase the number of zero-emission vehicles on American roads to more than 3 million.

Signatory states include California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.