Clean Car Standards Gain Broad Support
Committee of Businesses, Governments and Civic Groups Recommends Clean Car Standards for Washington
In a report released this week, a group of Washington state stakeholders recommended adopting clean car auto emission standards as part of a set of priority recommendations to address climate change. The stakeholder group, formed by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, includes representatives from Boeing, BP/Arco, Puget Sound Energy and other major industry groups, as well as local governments and public interest organizations.
One of the key recommendations of the report is to adopt clean car standards. These standards will require that all new cars sold in our state produce less toxic emissions and global warming emissions. The reports' authors also recommend taking action now. "For the future of our environment and our economy, we can and must begin immediately."
Legislation to adopt clean car standards will be introduced in the Washington legislature by Representative Ed Murray and Senator Phil Rockefeller. Climate Solutions is leading a coalition of organizations supporting adoption of the clean car standards. The clean car auto emission standards have been adopted by eight other states.
According to the report, adoption of clean car auto emissions standards would offer Washington:
- Significant reductions in global warming pollution and cancer-causing air toxics such as benzene and formaldehyde.
- Large and sustained economic benefits to the region and to vehicle owners, exceeding $1 billion by 2020. A purchaser of a new car financed over 5 years would reap net savings of $11 per month due to fuel savings, after subtracting costs.
- Technology and consumer benefits, including much longer warranties and increasing vehicle choice.
"Clean cars put local businesses on the road to a better economy," said Dennis McLerran, executive director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. "Reducing transportation emissions leaves more room for local businesses to grow within safe air pollution limits."
"Industry now contributes only 2-3% of smog-forming and toxic pollution, while cars and trucks are responsible for more than 50%," added McLerran. "We need to reduce auto emissions to keep our air safe and healthy. Clean car auto standards are the right step for our state."
"What's good for business is also good for Washington consumers," said KC Golden of Climate Solutions, one of the members of the stakeholder group. "Clean car standards do more than reduce dangerous pollution. They also save money on fuel costs for Washington consumers. This is a win-win-win."
The 25-member committee included representatives from business, environmental groups, utilities and government agencies. The committee has met regularly since it was formed in 2004 to recommend actions to address climate change.