By enacting global warming standards for cars and trucks, Maine’s global warming emissions from our largest single source will stabilize.
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On December 1, the Board of Environmental Protection approved an emissions program to cut global warming pollution from cars and trucks. The global warming emissions standards will cut global warming pollution 30 percent from vehicles by 2016. Adopting these standards will ensure that Maine maintains its strict tailpipe standards that are also in place in 9 other states, including CA, CT, MA, NJ, NY, OR, RI, WA, and VT.
The program, proposed for adoption by the Department of Environmental Protection, had strong support from Gov. Baldacci. Environmental advocates, an auto dealer, doctors and health care providers spoke in support of the program because of the benefits to Mainers’ health and our environment. Additionally, over 200 citizens submitted supportive public comments.
In addition to reducing global warming pollution from Maine’s single largest source, the standards will cut toxic air pollution and smog. With an increase in bad air days last summer, this will be welcome news to the people of Maine—especially people who spend a lot of time outdoors and those that suffer respiratory problems.
The standards will also likely reduce the operating costs of vehicles; the easiest way for auto manufacturers to meet the standards for global warming pollution is to make cars burn gasoline more efficiently.
According to calculations by the California Air Resources Board, the new, cleaner vehicles will save consumers money within two to five years of their purchase compared to a standard car today. With higher gas prices and increased price volatility in the future, consumers will save even more money when buying a new, cleaner car.
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