Obama proposes national limits on greenhouse gas pollution from automobiles

Coalition for Clean Air applauds administration but stresses state’s role

Today the Obama administration released details of its proposed national tailpipe emission standards that would increase fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars and light trucks.

According to the EPA and U.S. Transportation Department, the proposed standards will cut global warming pollution from vehicles by 30 percent and improve fuel economy to an average of about 35.5 miles per gallon, saving drivers money at the pump and reducing the nation’s dependency on foreign oil.

“It is wonderful news that the Obama administration is moving forward with this landmark plan. It could not have happened without the leadership of California and the 13 other states that adopted California's Clean Cars Law. Today's announcement is directly linked to the historic right of states to adopt their own air pollution standards. As Congress struggles to pass a federal climate and energy bill, this rule—the result of climate action led by states—moves the country forward,” said President and CEO Alberto Mendoza.

For 38 years the Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) has been a catalyst for cleaner, healthier air and has advocated in California for tougher automobile emission standards. CCA co-sponsored California legislation in 2002 that led to the state’s law requiring carmakers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new cars and trucks 30 percent by 2016. The California Clean Cars Law is the model for the national rule released today. It follows the President’s announcement in May 2009 to adopt California’s rule nationwide.

“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 proposed national standards will bring consumers the cars we demand while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emission,” added Mendoza.

Coalition for Clean Air