Statement of Environment Florida Field Director Holly
Binns:
TALLAHASSEE – “Today, the Florida House of Representatives voted
for an amendment to a wide-ranging energy bill that would delay adoption of one
of Governor Crist’s key climate change initiatives, the Clean Cars program to reduce
global warming pollution from new cars and trucks sold in Florida.
It is critical that Governor
Crist and Senate leaders ensure that Florida
can move forward with the Clean Cars program without unnecessary delay. Cars and trucks are the fastest growing
source of global warming pollution in Florida—responsible
for more than 40% of the state’s emissions. And because there are more cars on
the road and people are driving more, the problem is only getting worse. Putting cleaner cars on the roads in Florida is a critical
first step toward cutting our global warming pollution.
The Clean Cars program is
supported by forty public health and conservation groups across Florida, including the
American Lung Association of Florida and the Florida Academy of Family
Physicians.
In July, Gov. Crist signed a
series of executive orders designed to make Florida a leader in reducing global warming pollution. One of the most important parts of that plan
is adopting a Clean Cars Program in Florida,
just like thirteen other states have done.
The Clean Air Act allows
states to choose between federal vehicle emission standards and the more
protective standards—known as the Clean Cars Program—implemented by the state
of California.
Unlike current federal
standards, the Clean Cars Program includes limits on global warming pollution.
The program requires that by 2015, new cars emit 34 percent less global warming
pollution on average, and light trucks 25 percent less pollution.
Automakers can make cars that
are more efficient and release less global warming pollution, while offering consumers
all the amenities and styles they are accustomed to. We urge the Senate to oppose this roadblock
to implementing a key element of Governor Crist’s plan to make Florida a leader in reducing
global warming pollution.”
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Clean-Cars-letter-of-support-to-Sec.-Sole.doc