The Tallapoosa Journal reports that as of January 1, 2012, Georgia residents can now drive their electric-powered “golf carts” on public roads, but the legislation comes with some restrictions and individual municipalities may still enact their own statutes regarding their use.

Georgia Senate Bill 240, which was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal,  creates a new class of vehicles, labeled “Personal Transportation Vehicles” (PSVs).   Commonly referred to as golf carts, these low speed vehicles are required to have four wheels, weigh 1375 pounds or less, carry no more than eight people and travel at speeds no more than 20 MPH.  (This differs from the Federal law, which provides for such vehicles to travel up to 25 MPH.)

The new law also requires that the vehicle have specific safety equipment, including a braking system sufficient for the weight and passenger capacity with a parking brake, reverse warning device that is functional at all times and when the vehicle is in reverse, a main power switch which makes the vehicle inoperable when the key is in the off position, head and tail lights, reflex reflectors, a horn, rear view mirrors, safety warning labels and hip restraints and hand holds, among other items.

To read more, visit http://tallapoosa-journal.com/view/full_story/16887936/article-Law-clears-way-for-golf-carts-on-city-streets?instance=west_ga_news.

As part of the Fiscal Year 2012 budget, the Department Of Energy will receive a small increase (2.5%) in funding to support energy innovation investment.  As part of its plan, the DOE will create a “Batteries and Energy Storage Hub”, which will receive an initial appropriation of $24,020,000., plus one-time funding of $10,000,000. for start-up costs, excluding new construction.

Citing the problems with today’s energy storage approach – limited energy and power capacities, low rates of charge and discharge, calendar and cycle life limitations, low abuse tolerance, high cost and temperature sensitivity affecting performance – the DOE stated that the investment will help to ensure the successful integration of renewable, intermittent power sources onto the grid as well as address issues of power storage to enhance grid reliability.  It is also expected to bolster consumer acceptance of hybrid and all-electric vehicles, by leading to battery technologies that are safer, more effective and less expensive than what is currently being used.

The Hub will support research toward the development of new technologies and materials to address such issues as battery longevity and environmental impact in conjunction with existing research and development activities already being funded by the Department Of Energy.

To learn more, visit the Department Of Energy website at http://science.energy.gov/bes/research/doe-energy-innovation-hubs/.

After numerous requests from residents, the town of Grant-Valkaria became the latest Brevard county municipality to allow golf carts on public roads.  Current rules allow their use in several unincorporated areas of the county, including parts of Barefoot Bay, Suntree, Viera and Rockledge, subject to local restrictions.

According to an article in “Florida Today” dated December 24, 2011, Dave Berman and Susanne Cervenka reported that the new Grant-Valkaria ordinance took effect in November, after interested residents argued that driving a golf cart on public roads was no more dangerous than riding a bicycle or horse on those same roads.

After studying the issue for about a year, and talking with other entities who already allow such operation, officials agreed – but imposed a few restrictions because of safety concerns.  Operation is only allowed on roads with a posted speed limit of 35 MPH or less.  While the State Of Florida allows operation by 14-year olds, Grant-Valkaria requires that operators be at least 16 years of age.  Nighttime operation is allowed if the vehicle is equipped with lights, subject to a 10:00 PM curfew.  And operators must register their vehicles with the town  – so far 25 people have registered, according to Town Administrator Rick Hood.

Other Brevard County cities, including Titusville and Satellite Beach are considering similar regulations.

To read the entire article, visit http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20111225/NEWS01/312250018/Golf-carts-gain-cautious-favor?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|NEWS06|s