New Federal Vehicle Emission Standards Mark End of Industry’s Legal Battles Against the States

CONTACT: Steve Hinchman, (207) 210-6439 shinchman@clf.org
Seth Kaplan, (617) 850-1721 skaplan@clf.org
Caitlin Inglehart, 617.850.1755, cinglehart@clf.org

Boston, MA (MAY 19, 2009) Today, CLF applauded the White House’s announcement that it will not only approve California and 13 other states’ efforts to reduce global warming pollution from cars and light trucks, but also that it will adopt those standards nationwide. The new motor vehicle standards will cut greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 30 percent by 2016.  The action will likely terminate the automobile industry’s multi-year legal battle to block federal or state greenhouse gas emission standards for new motor vehicles.  CLF President John Kassel released the following statement in response to announcements from industry that they would support the new measure:

“After a four year detour in the federal courts, we are delighted to see industry finally come to its senses. Producing cleaner and more efficient cars is not just a critical and necessary step in the fight against global warming – it is also an economic imperative if the US carmakers want to compete in today’s market.  Most importantly, we hope this announcement will bring to a conclusion Detroit’s long, backwards-looking, and losing legal battle to block CO2 standards for cars and trucks.

“We offer our appreciation to President Obama and his administration. This historic action will reduce our dependence on oil, save consumers money at the pump, and cut global warming pollution.

“CLF also applauds Rhode Island, Vermont, and the other New England states that bore the brunt of the four-year legal campaign mounted by the automobile industry to block these standards.  Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, our states won in federal courts and now they have won for the whole country. This is a tremendous victory.”

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The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England.  CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovate strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region.  Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.