White House Announces Ground-Breaking Global Warming Pollution Standards for Cars and Trucks

Washington, D.C. (May 18, 2009) - President Barack Obama will announce plans tomorrow to issue new national greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards for cars and trucks. These standards will deliver the benefits of California's landmark standards nationwide. Additionally California expects to receive its long awaited waiver from EPA early this summer.

Since 2004, California has sought a green light from the federal government to enforce its global warming standards, adopted under the state's clean car law authored by then-assemblywoman Fran Pavley. Thirteen other states and the District of Columbia have since adopted the same standards. By 2016, the states' regulations will cut greenhouse gas emissions from new cars and light trucks by 30 percent. Under the new federal standards announced today, these cleaner, more efficient vehicles will be sold nationwide.

Following is a statement by Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council:

"President Obama, the state of California, the auto industry, and environmental leaders have come together around a global warming solution that will strengthen our economy and put the auto industry on the path to a clean energy future. The future of the auto industry lies in making cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles that reduce global warming pollution and our dependence on oil.

"These new national rules build on California's ground-breaking standards to tackle global warming pollution from cars and trucks. Starting in model year 2012, the new standards will deliver cleaner, higher-mileage cars nationwide, cut global warming pollution, and save drivers money every time they fill up."