California Keeps Pushing for Lower Vehicle Emissions

California advocates for more stringent clean-air regulations are rejoicing in recent action by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which granted a waiver that will allow for stronger vehicle emissions standards for car models built in 2017-2025.

The waiver allows California to implement vehicle-related smog and particle pollution controls, greenhouse gas emission standards and a zero-emission vehicle standard.

The California Clean Cars Campaign called it a victory for the health and welfare of Californians. The campaign is comprised of top business, consumer, health, labor, environmental and community leaders and organizations.

“I am proud to have played a role in supporting California’s efforts to move the country toward this remarkable achievement on clean cars, said campaign co-chair Wendy Greuel, Los Angeles City Controller. "We stand ready to support the kind of market growth and development that this rule envisions.”

Campaign co-chair Ken McEldowney, executive director of Consumer Action, said the waiver is "especially good news for the poorest among us who disproportionally suffer from the health effects of pollution.”

Automakers are already announcing plans to increase production of hybrid powertrains, battery electric cars and fuel cell vehicles," said campaign co-chair Bruce Klafter, a sustainability expert at Applied Materials.

The EPA has granted more than 50 California waivers in the past four decades. In 2009, the Obama administration granted the state a waiver to implement clean-vehicle standards through model year 2016.

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