Granting California the waiver under the Clean Air Act allows the state to impose its standards, which are stricter than federal standards. It also sets the stage for the national vehicle GHG standard, based on California’s rule, that President Obama announced in May .

The momentous decision acknowledges California’s leadership in developing strong air pollution regulations. Since California adopted the law, thirteen other states and the District of Columbia have followed suit, vowing to implement the California standard in their states. With today’s waiver, they, too, can move forward. Together, these states comprise just more than 40 percent of the U.S. vehicle market.

“California is a global leader in developing effective strategies to reduce air pollution and global warming emissions. It is wonderful news that the Obama administration has given California the ability to continue leading in this area for the benefit of the entire country, and ultimately, the entire planet,” said Mendoza.

The Coalition for Clean Air celebrates this exciting step for our growing clean energy economy, the jobs it will create and the air quality improvements it will foster. The EPA’s decision will bring consumers the cars we demand while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to giving top honors to Mendoza, Senator Boxer and the California Democratic Party recognized honorees from NRDC and Global Green, actors/activists Pierce Brosnan and his wife Keely Shaye Smith, and musician/activist Bonnie Raitt.

“It was a tremendous honor for Alberto to receive this award from Senator Boxer and to be recognized alongside other leading national environmentalists. This award speaks to the leadership and accomplishments of the Coalition for Clean Air, and it reflects the prominence of air quality issues in the current administration,” said incoming Board Chair Erik Neandross.

Mendoza’s thank you speech stressed that no matter what area of the environment one works to defend, we are a community working together to protect the environment and safeguard public health.

“This movement is about people. We have the responsibility to partner, protect and empower those who are living with the effects of poor air quality and environmental planning consequences. Whether people want to be called environmentalists or not, it is our organization’s obligation to protect all communities because only together can we truly protect our environment.”

From the beginning

The Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) was one of the original co-sponsors of then Assemblymember Fran Pavley’s legislation (AB 1493, 2002) requiring automobile manufacturers to reduce global warming pollution from their new vehicles. From the beginning, CCA has been pushing for stricter emission standards and today, was proudly in D.C. applauding President Obama for his environmental leadership.

“When CCA began working on the Clean Cars Law in 2001, our focus was on California. We knew then that clean cars had to be part of our future – for our health, our economy and our environment. Today, we now know that this is Detroit’s future as well as our future,” said Mendoza.

Nation follows California's lead

These new federal standards will deliver the benefits of California’s groundbreaking leadership nationwide by increasing fuel efficiency across the vehicle fleet to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 – an eight mile increase from previous standards. “That is the equivalent of taking 58 million cars off the road for an entire year,” said Obama.

The new standards will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil which is more than the United States imported from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Libya and Nigeria last year alone, according to Obama.

As part of the historic agreement, the automakers will drop their lawsuits against California and other states, ending a painful and expensive seven-year battle between the industry, regulators and environmental advocates.

The future of Detroit lies in making cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles that will reduce air pollution and America’s dependence on foreign oil.

“We are honored to be part of this historical moment. It serves as another example of California leading the way for stronger national environmental policy,” Mendoza added.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are a large source of environmental toxics in consumer and industrial products, including paint thinners, multipurpose solvents and household cleaners. They pollute our air and endanger the lives of workers and families who come in contact with them.

Your environment and health are at risk

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) estimates that more than one million gallons of highly toxic VOC paint thinners and multipurpose solvents are sold in the South Coast Air Basin alone each year. Many VOCs linger for hours after application and can yield indoor air pollution levels up to 1,000 times worse than outdoor air quality! This can trigger asthma attacks and cause dizziness, nausea or even cancer.

A Breath of Fresh Air

In a move that could set a statewide standard for the manufacturing of paint thinners and multipurpose solvents, the SCAQMD Friday approved a rule
[Proposed Rule 1143] to limit dangerous toxics in consumer and industrial products. The newly adopted rule will reduce the emissions of VOCs, which are hazardous to California's air quality and public health.

By 2011 the rule will reduce close to 10 tons of noxious VOCs that contaminate our air daily. According to William A. Burke, chairman of the SCAQMD, "that is equal to shutting down all seven major oil refineries in Los Angeles County."

Everyone who has tracked the development of automobile technologies knows that the entire industry can do much more to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

California and at least 13 other states, which represent 40% of the U.S. auto market, are ready to implement stricter emissions standards which we hope will then be adopted nationwide.

The fact that the Obama administration is making this its first prominent action on global warming is a strong signal for California and the rest of the country; it shows his willingness to support the science and leadership needed to fight global warming.

To read the Los Angeles Times article, click here.
To read the complete news release, click here.

 

At a time when everyone is grasping for an economic stimulus package, CARB has delivered theirs. It comes complete with money saving measures, including cutting costly medical expenses and lost work days, while providing truckers with an unprecedented amount of funding in order to clean their fleets and spare our air.

This last week has been filled with incredible victories for the Coalition for Clean Air and all Californians. We commend CARB for their bold leadership and commitment to clean air.

The plan directs CARB to identify the most polluted California communities and reaffirms the need to protect every Californian—regardless of neighborhood—by limiting the relocation of additional pollution sources to their neighborhoods. The new policy will also strengthen communities by directing resources toward them.

California has once again demonstrated bold leadership in addressing climate change. We are one step closer to clean air because our leaders have acknowledged the need to ensure every Californian benefits from reduced pollution—regardless of where we live.

This is a victory for all Californians who want the right to breathe clean air, regardless of their neighborhood or income.