California Goes After Auto Emissions

California issued proposed regulations this week that would force automakers to reduce tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases, which are tied to global warming, by 30 percent in the next decade. If adopted later this year after a review process, the regulations would be the nation's first limits on auto emissions of gases tied to global warming. And they could pave the way for other states to follow. At least four Northeastern states are watching to see what California does.

From USA TODAY

LOS ANGELES — California issued proposed regulations this week that would force automakers to reduce tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases, which are tied to global warming, by 30 percent in the next decade.

If adopted later this year after a review process, the regulations would be the nation’s first limits on auto emissions of gases tied to global warming. And they could pave the way for other states to follow. At least four Northeastern states are watching to see what California does.

The proposed regulations — which will be issued by the California Air Resources Board in response to a 2002 state law — would require auto manufacturers to produce cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans that emit 30 percent less greenhouse gases on average by 2015. The regulations would drive up the price of new vehicles, although it’s unclear how much. And the auto industry is almost certain to sue to try to prevent them from becoming law.

California can set its own stringent emission standards under federal law because it has the nation’s dirtiest air. And California’s actions have tremendous repercussions for the auto industry because the state represents about 10 percent of the nation’s car market.

The main gas emitted by cars and trucks that contributes to global warming is carbon dioxide, a colorless gas that rises into the atmosphere and traps heat.

California officials say that automakers could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by improving gas mileage. Less fuel consumption would result in less emissions. And they say that gas mileage could be improved with available technology, such as high-tech transmissions that shift automatically into the most efficient gear.

The upgrades needed to meet California’s proposed regulations could add thousands of dollars to the price of a new vehicle, says Eron Shosteck of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. ”We are happy to offer these efficient fuel-saving technologies,” he says. ”But consumers just don’t want to buy them. . . . Automakers believe consumers should have the option to choose.”

He says the regulations would result in vehicles that are ”lighter, smaller, less powerful, less able to do what consumers want.”

But officials in New York, Connecticut, Vermont and Maine are watching to see whether California adopts the regulations and the courts uphold any challenge by the automakers. Although California is the only state that can set its own vehicle-pollution standards, federal law allows other states to adopt California’s standards. And officials in those four states say they could follow California’s lead.

”If (California) can help serve Connecticut’s purpose . . . of course, we’re going to take a good hard look at it,” says Jane Stahl, deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.

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