Global Warming Campaign News

TALLAHASSEE – As the Governor’s Action Team on Climate and Energy met for the first time, Environment Florida released a new analysis documenting the benefits of implementing the Clean Cars Program in Florida. 

“Cars and trucks are the fastest growing source of global warming pollution in Florida—responsible for 42% of the state’s emissions in 2004. And because there are more cars on the road and people are driving more, the problem is only getting worse,” said Environment Florida Field Director Holly Binns.  “Putting cleaner cars on the roads in Florida is a critical first step toward cutting our global warming pollution,” Binns added.

In July, Gov. Crist signed a series of executive orders designed to make Florida a leader in reducing global warming emissions.  One of the most important parts of that plan is a Clean Cars Program in Florida, just like twelve other states have done.

The Clean Air Act allows states with air quality problems 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 will require automakers to reduce the average amount of global warming pollution emitted from their cars, light trucks and SUVs. By 2015, new cars will be required to emit 34 percent less global warming pollution on average, and light trucks 25 percent less pollution.

According to an analysis by Environment Florida, the benefits to Florida of adopting the Clean Cars program will be significant:

·         Adopting the Clean Cars Program in Florida will cut global warming pollution from cars, light trucks and SUVs by 9.8 million metric tons per year below projected levels in 2020.

·         From 2010 to 2020, thanks to the Clean Cars Program, vehicles in Florida will have released 54.4 million metric tons less carbon dioxide. This is equal to removing 13.8 million of today’s cars from the road for a year.

·         On an international scale, the pollution reductions from 2010 to 2020 are more than total annual emissions from Ireland.

·         The Clean Cars Program could lead to a reduction in gasoline use of as much as 1.6 billion gallons annually in 2020, which translates into consumer savings at the pump. At today’s average fuel prices ($2.74 per gallon), Florida consumers could save up to $4.4 billion at the pump in 2020.

“Global warming poses significant threats to Florida, from more frequent and severe hurricanes, extended droughts and heat waves, to coastal flooding from rising sea levels, all of which could seriously impact our quality of life, our environment and our economic prosperity.  The good news is that automakers can make cars that are more efficient and release less global warming pollution, while offering us all the amenities and styles we are accustomed to,” noted Binns.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently held the first workshop on the Clean Cars rulemaking, and will hold a second public workshop in October.

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To view the Clean Cars Program fact sheet and analysis, visit http://www.environmentflorida.org/issues/global-warming/cleaner-cars-for-florida/clean-cars-fact-sheet