The laws apparently will increase the price of cars sold in California substantially, but the cleaner air has a value that is priceless.
'Greenhouse' ruling: An exhaustive look
What the court said exactly, how pollution limits affect mileage, state law's impact on global warming, etc.
By Chris Bowman - cbowman@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PST Sunday, December 16, 2007
A federal court decision upholding California's pioneering "greenhouse gas" law last week illuminated the state's unique right to set its own vehicle emission standards. Here's a primer on the controversy and what's at stake for consumers.
Q: What did the court decide?
A: The U.S. District Court in Fresno ruled in favor of California in a lawsuit brought by major auto manufacturers seeking to strike down the 2002 law before it takes effect next year. Judge Anthony Ishii disagreed with the auto industry's claim that the curb on climate-altering tailpipe gases amounts to an unconstitutional intrusion on federal regulation of fuel mileage.
Q: What do these pollution limits have to do with gas mileage?
A: The only practical way automakers can reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases – so named because of their heat-trapping effect in the atmosphere – is to make cars run more efficiently and burn less fuel.
