The California Air Resources Board on Friday approved landmark regulation to tackle global warming by forcing cuts in carbon dioxide exhaust from passenger cars and trucks.
The unanimous vote, following two days of hearings, was lauded by environmentalists as a historic moment.
But the board’s action is almost certain to trigger a lawsuit from automakers, who accuse California of using the threat of global warming to force new gasoline mileage standards on the entire country.
The decision probably also will lead to a political battle between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has pledged to support the tougher rules, and the federal government over the power to regulate motor vehicles. “We cannot afford to wait until all the evidence is in (on global warming),” said Alan Lloyd, the board’s chairman. “We sent letters to all the auto companies in the world,” asking for cooperation, he added. “The response, the silence, was deafening.”
The regulation would require automakers to begin cutting emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from cars and light trucks starting in the 2009 model year. By 2016, companies would have to reduce the heat-trapping gases from the tailpipes of all cars and light trucks by an average of 29 percent.
Virtually the only way to accomplish that task is to improve mileage through existing technology such as continuously variable transmissions that automatically seek the most efficient gear, and engines that shut off a cylinder when it is not needed. Those enhancements could add about $1,000 to the price of a new vehicle, state officials estimate. Auto industry representatives say the average cost is closer to $3,000.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
