FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2010

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California and federal agencies moving forward with stronger auto emission standards

State continues to pave the way for national environmental progress

Sacramento—Following up on President Obama’s May announcement of new
greenhouse gas (GHG) and fuel economy standards, today the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) jointly announced they will begin the process of developing tougher emission standards for cars and trucks built in model years 2017-25.

Building on the success of the first phase of the national program covering cars from model years 2012-16, this next round will offer manufacturers a variety of advanced technologies that will satisfy all federal and California standards, while ensuring a range of vehicle choices for consumers.

Passenger vehicles currently account for more than half of America’s transportation petroleum use and nearly 60 percent of all transportation-related GHG emissions. Following the lead set by California’s Clean Cars Law, which Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) originally co-sponsored, the new national program will work with California to curb GHG pollution and help combat climate change, while simultaneously saving consumers money and reducing America’s oil dependency.

“We applaud the Obama administration for taking historic and practical steps for our air, our health, consumer choice and energy security,” said CCA Policy Director Nidia Bautista, who was invited to attend the White House announcement earlier this year. “California has always helped pave the way for the nation in environmental policy, and we will continue to push for state and federal clean car standards that will provide the highest protections for human health and the environment.”

As part of Obama’s May directive, federal agencies coordinated with CARB to develop a technical assessment that will inform the rulemaking process. The resulting Notice of Intent released today assesses a potential national program for the 2025 model year and outlines next steps, including stakeholder meetings to determine the appropriate level of standards. The final proposal is expected within a year.

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With offices in Sacramento, Los Angeles and Fresno, the Coalition for Clean Air has worked to restore healthy air and clear skies to California for nearly 40 years. We provide technical expertise, promote broad-based community involvement and advocate responsible public policy.