Governor Davis Signs Groundbreaking Bill to
Reduce Auto-Related Global Warming Pollution
 |
| An
image the Bush administration is throwing darts at:
Russell Long, environmentalist extraordinaire, clean ferry
advocate, and responsible for the recently enacted
California legislation limiting greenhouse gases and
thereby thwarting gas hogs everywhere. |
Governor Davis has signed into
law the first bill in U.S. history to regulate global warming
pollution from cars and light-duty trucks, ending a contentious
two-year campaign. Assembly Bill 1493 puts California at the
forefront in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the primary cause
of global warming. And Russell Long, the determined dynamo
responsible for the Bay Area push for environmentally friendly
ferries, is the man responsible.
"The Governor’s
willingness to take up arms in the global warming battle truly
distinguishes him from other leaders," said Dr. Long.
"By signing this bill, Governor Davis demonstrates the kind
of vision, courage, and leadership that Californians have come to
expect from our elected officials," said Russell Long,
Executive Director of Bluewater Network, the organization
responsible for drafting the bill in January 2001.
"California can, and will,
force the automakers to do what they should have done years ago,
and give us cleaner cars." Long concluded, "Time after
time, our state has proven that protecting the environment is
consistent with protecting our economy — this reasonable bill
adds to that legacy. By refusing to protect our nation from global
warming, Mr. Bush has thrown down the gauntlet to the states.
California is up to the challenge."
Assembly Bill 1493 is the
successor to AB 1058, the global warming bill championed by
Assembly Member Fran Pavley for the past two years. The new
legislation includes language addressing public fears stirred up
by an auto industry campaign, including explicit prohibition of
new taxes, speed limit reductions, or mandatory reductions in
vehicle weights. In addition, AB 1493 calls for an immediate
policy hearing on the greenhouse gas emissions standard, once it
is set by the California Air Resources Board.
Just like AB 1058, AB 1493
instructs the California Air Resources Board to develop the
maximum technologically feasible, cost-effective reductions of
greenhouse gases by January 2005. Auto manufacturers will be given
maximum flexibility to decide how to achieve these standards, and
consumers’ pocketbooks will be protected by a requirement that
the regulation be economical to the owners and operators of
passenger vehicles. Additionally, AB 1493 will provide consumers
with more vehicle choices and help reduce dependence on Mid-East
oil.
Although AB 1493 is a state
bill, the regulations are ultimately expected to extend beyond
California’s borders. Automakers may offer cleaner vehicles in
other states, since the California vehicle market is so large that
it may not make sense to create special California models. And
other states may follow suit with their own legislation to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
