Calif. OKs World’s Toughest Smog Rules

September 24, 2004

California Air Regulators Approve World’s Most Stringent Rules to Reduce Auto Emissions

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES Sept. 24, 2004 — California air regulators Friday unanimously approved the world’s most stringent rules to reduce auto emissions that contribute to global warming a move that could affect car and truck buyers from coast to coast.
Under the regulations, the auto industry must cut exhaust from cars and light trucks by 25 percent and from larger trucks and sport utility vehicles by 18 percent. The industry will have until 2009 to begin introducing cleaner technology, and will have until 2016 to meet the new exhaust standards.

The move by the California Air Resources Board came despite vigorous opposition from auto industry officials, who argued that the board did not have the authority to adopt such sweeping regulations and that they could not be met by current technology.

The industry has threatened to challenge the regulations in court. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has expressed support for the proposals and has pledged to fight any such lawsuits.

Schwarzenegger’s environmental protection secretary, Terry Tamminen, said that California should do its part to reduce pollution.

“We can make it clear that yes, we understand that our contribution, no matter how large or small, makes a difference,” Tamminen said. “Every single action that we take or inaction makes a difference.”

Heat-trapping greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are believed by many scientists to contribute to global warming.

Well done Schwarzy!!!! california dream……….

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