California Takes Dramatic Action To Cut Greenhouse Gas Pollution From Vehicles

(24 September 2004 — Los Angeles)   Environmental Defense today praised the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for taking strong steps to cut greenhouse gas pollution in the state. Today the agency voted unanimously to adopt measures cutting greenhouse gas pollution from passenger vehicles.

“Transportation creates nearly half of California’s greenhouse gas pollution,” said Environmental Defense policy associate, Kate Larsen. “CARB’s action this month will cut pollution and save drivers money without sacrificing safety or affordability.”

“The technology to make cuts in greenhouse gas pollution is available today,” said Environmental Defense automotive engineer John DeCicco. “For years, California has shown the way to cut car pollution without harming the economy or undercutting driver choice. The rest of the nation, and the world, will soon follow the state’s lead.”

Today’s action by CARB will put in place regulations that achieve the maximum feasible and cost-effective reduction of greenhouse gases emitted by passenger vehicles, in accordance with California’s Assembly Bill 1493 (“Pavley”), which was passed in 2002. The measure is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2006, and will apply to model year 2009 vehicles and beyond.

In testimony at the hearing, Environmental Defense economist Eric Haxthausen said, “It is clear that any reasonable policy to stabilize the climate will include greenhouse gas emissions reductions from California vehicles.”