California board approves auto greenhouse gas reduction regulation

Sept. 27 -- The California Air Resources Board on Sept. 24 approved a regulation requiring automakers to sell vehicles with reduced greenhouse gas emissions by model year 2009.

Automobile makers have criticized the requirements as extreme and not in the best interests of the state’s residents.

The average reduction of greenhouse gases from new California cars and light trucks will be about 22 percent in 2012 and about 30 percent in 2016 compared with today’s vehicles, according to the California air board. The added technology to meet the new rule is expected to cost about $325 per vehicle in 2012 and $1.050 per vehicle in 2016, according to the state.

``This landmark decision sets a course for California that is likely to be copied throughout the U.S. and other countries,’’ said CARB Chairman Alan Lloyd. He also said the board had ``established itself as the world leader in setting motor vehicle pollution control standards.’’

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers argued against the new regulations and disputed the state’s estimates for the added cost per vehicle for the technology necessary to meet the new requirements.

``We’re disappointed that California regulators have chosen to single out California drivers to pay a $3,000 surcharge with no apparent health or environmental benefit to its citizens,’’ said Fred Webber, president & CEO of the Alliance.

The alliance argues the state has not identified any significant improvement in air quality that would result from the new regulation and that the proposal actually sets fuel economy standards. Federal law prohibits states from setting fuel economy standards, and the automakers said in the past they would not rule out a court challenge.