Advocates and dissidents testified at the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management hearing Tuesday afternoon on the Rhode Island Low Emission Vehicle Program amendment to adopt stricter auto emissions standards than those set by the federal government.
“Adopting California’s Clean Cars Standard would be a huge victory for the environment, public health and consumers,” said Matt Auten, an advocate with the Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group (RIPIRG).
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The hearing was a necessary step in moving the amendment.
Representatives from RIPIRG, the state American Lung Association, Toyota of Newport, the Clean Water Action Group and other vested parties testified.
The state would adopt the latest California Low Emission Vehicle II (LEV II) standards along with a Zero Emissions Vehicle component for light duty vehicles for vehicles sold in Rhode Island beginning with model year 2008.
The federal Clean Air Act enforces emissions standards for new vehicles but allows the state of California to set standards for vehicles sold in that state and allows other states to adopt California’s standards.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management adopted California’s Low Emission Vehicle standard in 1996. In 1999, the state amended the standard to allow automobile manufacturers to comply with the National program instead. Rhode Island’s commitment to the National Low Emission Vehicle program extends through vehicle model years 2006. If no action is taken, the less stringent (Tier 2) federal new vehicle standards would apply to new vehicles sold in Rhode Island beginning with model year 2007.
Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont have already adopted California’s emission standards.
A ruling is expected by the end of the year.
Staff Report
