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Judge hits auto makers, allows Vermont to limit emissions
Washington (AFP) Sept 13, 2007 In a blow to US automakers, a federal judge has ruled that the state of Vermont can set limits on car emissions believed to contribute to global warming, rejecting arguments that only the US government can regulate the industry. Judge William Sessions said automakers, which had sued to block the rules as burdensome, have proven themselves able to meet stringent standards. "History suggests that the ingenuity of the industry, once put in gear, responds admirably to most technological challenges," he said in a ruling Wednesday. The US Environmental Protection Agency, which is in charge of pollution regulation nation-wide, has so far refused to demand a curb in emissions believed partly responsible for global warming. In 2002, the state of California decided to take the lead itself, passing a law requiring automakers to reduce global warming gases their vehicles emit by 22 percent by 2012, and by 30 percent by 2016. Like about a dozen US states Vermont followed suit with its own similar law in 2005. Automakers took the individual states to court, saying only the federal government could make that kind of regulation. But Sessions, handling the Vermont case, rejected that claim. "The regulation does not impermissibly intrude upon the foreign affairs prerogatives of the president and Congress of the United States," he said. Republican Vermont Governor Jim Douglas praised the ruling, saying "most of Vermont's greenhouse gases are emitted by automobiles and for us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint the innovations that occur in states like Vermont are critical. "Setting high, but achievable, standards for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles is a tool every state must have the option of employing. Now, thanks to our victory, every state will," he said. But Dave McCurdy, head of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said that automakers "support improving fuel economy standards nationally, rather than piecemeal. "The alliance will continue studying the decision and considering the options, including an appeal," he said. Related Links Car Technology at SpaceMart.com
EU automakers reject 2012 deadline for CO2 cuts
Frankfurt (AFP) Sept 12, 2007European automakers demanded more time on Wednesday to meet mooted CO2 emissions targets but stressed they were on board and working hard to produce cleaner cars. |
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