California adopts stricter car emission standards
The California Air Resources Board on 27 January unanimously approved new emissions rules for cars and light trucks for model years 2017 through 2025. The package of car rules is intended to save drivers money on fuel, cut smog and greenhouse gases and make the state a world leader in clean car technology.
The Advanced Clean Cars program will clean up gasoline and diesel-powered cars and ease the way for zero-emission technologies, such as battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell cars. By 2025, new cars are expected to emit 34 per cent less global warming gases and 75 per cent less smog-forming emissions as compared to 2014 levels.
The Advanced Clean Cars program is composed of four separate components: Greenhouse gas standard for cars and light trucks (model years 2017-2025); Reducing smog-forming emissions; Zero emissions vehicle regulation; and Clean fuels outlets.
Under the new regulations, consumer savings on fuel costs would average $6,000 over the life of the car – more than offsetting the average $1,900 increase in vehicle price for the ultra-clean, high-efficiency technology.
Source: Environmental News Service, 30 January 2012