EPA conducts Clean Air Act hearings

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held the second of a two-part hearing May 30 regarding the Clean Air Act in order to gather public comments regarding the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) appeal for the implementation of a greenhouse gas reduction measure for motor vehicles. Part one was held May 22 in Arlington, Va.

The Clean Air Act dictates that when California air quality rulings are deemed more rigid than federal standards, the state must obtain a waiver allowing for such regulation. In response to this, California requested a waiver to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2016. Such reduction would involve automakers improving vehicle mileage to approximately 43 miles per gallon by 2016.

California would begin implementation of the measure with motor vehicles beginning in 2009. CARB claims that the technology is already in place to enact such regulation and meet the goal that has been set. Prior to the hearing May 30, CARB held a press conference to voice concerns regarding the EPA hearings

For additional information, visit the Automotive Service Association’s legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.