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Breaking News from America's Progressive Community... Latest Releases
The press releases posted here have been provided to NewsCenter by the one of the many progressive organizations we have selected to participate. If you would like more information about this press release, you should contact the organization directly. |
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| NOVEMBER 6, 1998 2:58 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: US Public Interest Research Group Angie Farleigh (202) 546-9707 |
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| U.S. PIRG Applauds California Decision To Cut Auto Pollution; Kicks off National Campaign for Clean Cars | ||||
| WASHINGTON - November 6 - The State Public Interest Research Groups
(PIRGs) kicked off their national campaign to reduce auto pollution this week, while
celebrating California’s landmark decision to drastically cut emissions from cars and
light trucks. “The California decision not only strengthens overall emissions standards for cars, but makes California the first state to require sport utility vehicles, minivans and pickup trucks to meet the same emissions standards as cars,” said Angie Farleigh, U.S. PIRG Energy Associate. “Until now, these ‘light trucks’ have been allowed to emit as much as three times as much air pollution per mile as cars.” The new California program, which will affect all new vehicles beginning model year 2004, also eliminates special emissions exemptions for diesel powered vehicles, holding them to the same strict emissions standards as gasoline powered vehicles. Today, diesel powered vehicles are allowed to emit 3-10 times more particulate pollution than gasoline-powered vehicles. The decision by the California Air Resources Board came after a fierce lobbying battle by auto manufacturers and environmentalists across the country. This debate drew national attention because the Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering similar standards that would affect emissions levels nationwide. California has traditionally led the way in advanced technologies and pollution control and the EPA is expected to follow California’s lead when proposing its standards. “We are going to make sure that the EPA protects public health and adopts national standards equal to the California program,” said Farleigh. “Today California put the brakes on auto pollution. Hopefully, this will give the EPA the green light for adopting tough standards for the rest of the country,” she added. As part of its national Clean Air Now! campaign, the PIRG campaign to reduce auto pollution calls on the EPA to: · Ensure that new cars are clean cars; · Close the loophole for SUVs and other light trucks; · Require diesel engines to meet the same tough new standards as gasoline engines; · Cut sulfur content in gasoline. · Require advanced technology vehicles. ### U.S. PIRG is the national lobbying office for the state PIRGs. The PIRGs are non-profit, nonpartisan consumer and environmental watchdog groups active across the country. |
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