Senate OKs tough emission standards
A campaign to make Washington the second state in the country to cut greenhouse gases coming from cars took a major step forward yesterday when the state Senate approved a bill adopting many of California's tougher limits on tailpipe emissions.
The 29-19 vote marked a major victory for environmentalists and a defeat for carmakers and car dealers, who are trying to beat back the spread of regulations. Yesterday's vote, however, doesn't mark a total victory for proponents. They had to water down some provisions to win key votes from rural Democrats, and some of the changes could leave the legislation vulnerable to legal challenge if it becomes law. Backers of the Senate bill must also work out differences with a stricter version that earlier passed the House 53-42.
Still, supporters were elated over passage of legislation they said would ensure Washington's air improves and force the auto industry to build more fuel-efficient cars. Proponents hope it means consumers would find a broader selection of cleaner vehicles.
"This is probably the biggest environmental vote we've taken on the Senate floor in 10 years," said Sen. Erik Poulsen, D-Seattle, who helped shepherd the bill through the Senate.
Opponents, meanwhile, warned the legislation could leave Washington at the mercy of whatever rules were created in California. With Washington air already meeting federal air-quality standards, they questioned the need for regulations that could raise the cost of a new vehicle, drive vehicle shoppers to other states or reduce the availability of popular SUVs and trucks.
"This is the Kyoto treaty come to Washington state," warned Sen. Val Stevens, R-Arlington, referring to the international treaty to cut greenhouse gases, which the U.S. has not joined. "This is an attempt to turn Washington state into another California."
The legislation would impose tighter restrictions on emissions of toxic and smog-causing chemicals from new cars and would force fuel-efficiency improvements to shrink greenhouse-gas emissions from new cars sold in Washington state, starting in 2009. Scientists warn a buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, could raise global temperatures.
Continue reading this story from the Seattle Times:
Senate OKs tough emission standards
