California's rules could aim for 30 percent emissions cut

[Kadie]

California's rules could aim for 30 percent emissions cut

By JENNIFER COLEMAN, Associated Press Writer


Last Updated: June 9, 2004, 12:45:16 PM PDT


SACRAMENTO (AP) - California's new global warming regulations would require automakers to cut carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 30 percent over the next decade, the chairman of the state Air Resources Board said Wednesday.

California's attempt to restrict greenhouse gases was signed into law in 2002 by then-Gov. Gray Davis, over the objections of automakers who promised to sue to block it.

California already has the nation's most stringent standards for other vehicle pollutants. The new law sets emission standards for carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that would apply to new passenger cars and light trucks beginning in 2009.

The California Air Resources Board is expected next week to release the first regulations to implement the law.

Air Resources Board chairman Alan C. Lloyd said Wednesday the plan would phase in reductions in average emissions with the goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 29.2 percent by 2015 in autos and light trucks. The percentage would be slightly lower for heavier vehicles, said Lloyd, who was speaking at a Sacramento conference on global warming.

http://www.modbee.com/state_wire/story/8685903p-9560652c.html