AAM, Auto Dealers Challenge Greenhouse
Gas Law
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) has
joined forces with a group of automobile dealers in
California's Central Valley to contest regulation of
motor vehicle fuel economy under the state's greenhouse
gas law on Dec. 7.
AAM President & CEO Fred Webber stated, "Federal law
is designed to ensure a consistent fuel economy program
across the country. There's a better way to improve
fuel economy than this regulation, such as providing
consumer tax incentives for the purchase of our new
advanced technology vehicles."
The Alliance developed five specific principles that
guide its legal challenge, as well as any future regulation
of fuel economy: 1) Regulators must follow the law set
forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
2) Fuel economy should continually improve, but it must
be balanced with safety, jobs and other concerns, 3)
Consumer choice must be preserved with all consumer
impacts considered, 4) Regulations must be achievable
and should provide social benefits worth their costs,
and 5) Advanced technology should be driven by consumer
demand.
Former California Governor Gray Davis signed a bill
into law that set limits on greenhouse gas emissions
from passenger vehicles sold in the state. Assembly
Bill 1493 requires the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) to develop greenhouse gas emissions standards
for passenger vehicles starting with model year 2009.
The CARB has until the end of 2004 to develop and adopt
regulations that achieve the maximum feasible and cost-effective
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from passenger
vehicles.
DOT Secretary Norm Mineta to
Remain in Cabinet
The Bush Administration announced that Department of
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta would stay on
in the President's Cabinet during the next term. Mineta,
73, is the Cabinet's sole Democrat. Click
here to read The Highway Users press release congratulating
Mineta.
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