The Environmental Protection Agency has delayed a decision on whether to allow 12 northeast U.S. states and the District of Columbia to impose California style limits on vehicle emissions.
The district and states from Virginia to Maine, in a coalition called the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC), last February proposed a clean air program like California's tough approach to emission limits. The 1990 Clean Air Act amendments required that they develop a plan to combat pollution.
EPA said it needed more time to study public comments on the proposal and hopes to rule next month.
AUTOMAKERS' PROPOSAL
Detroit's big three automakers have proposed that EPA create a new national vehicle emission standard, not as tough as the California standard, for all states except California.
The American Automobile Manufacturers Association called the EPA delay "responsible and appropriate."
AAMA said, "The stakes for consumers are high in terms of future vehicle cost, real air quality improvement, and future vehicle choices.
"Consumers deserve cleaner air, and cleaner cars are part of the solution. But consumers deserve a program that delivers the most clean air benefits at the most affordable costs."
AAMA also said an EPA analysis shows the "49 state approach" will provide air quality equal to or better than the California style program the OTC proposes.
AAMA said, "Both the 49 state approach and the California plan will make gasoline powered cars almost 99% clean. But only one-the 49 state approach-will do it at a price consumers can afford.
"And importantly, while development and testing for technologically feasible, practical, affordable electric and other alternative fueled vehicles continues, the 49 state approach, unlike the California plan, would not force these vehicles on consumers before they are market ready."
PROGRAM NOT NEEDED
The American Automobile Association also told EPA a California style emission program is not needed in the Northeast.
It said an Energy & Environmental Analysis Inc. study found automobiles are no longer the primary or even secondary cause of ozone smog in the U. S.
AAA said even the 49 state approach is unnecessary because the study found that two thirds of urban smog comes from smoke stacks, refineries,' and large trucks and buses-not passenger cars.
"Continuing emphasis on tightening emissions of future cars is merely nibbling at the edges of the ozone program," AAA said.
"If EPA hopes to make headway with ozone attainment, it should redirect its efforts to focus on curbing stationary and other mobile sources that are now contributing more than twice as much volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxide emissions as are light duty passenger vehicles."
Massachusetts, New York state, and several environmental groups have threatened to sue EPA for missing a Nov. 15 deadline for ruling on OTC's plan.
Copyright 1994 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.
Issue date: 11/21/94
