Commission delays vote on tougher auto emission standards

Commission delays vote on tougher auto emission standards

OCTOBER 30, 2008 - Florida’s bid to adopt California's tougher standards for auto and light truck emissions hit a when a state panel Wednesday delayed a vote on the measure.

Only two of the seven members on the Environmental Regulation Commission gave outright support for the California rules. The others were undecided or said they first want to see if the federal government sets stricter fuel mileage requirements - possibly in the next two or three weeks and postponed a vote until their December 2 meeting.

It was a setback for Governor Charlie Crist and environmentalists who actively support the idea. They say the standards will mean cleaner air and more fuel-efficient vehicles, and reduce greenhouse gases blamed for climate change.

Manufacturers oppose the tougher auto emission standards, arguing they will increase car prices, reduce the availability of certain vehicles in the state and make some light truck models scarce in Florida.

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Sole said that although California emissions vehicles would cost more, Floridians would save in the long run because of better gas mileage and cleaner air.

Even if the commission approves the standards, there's a long road ahead. That's because they would need approval next year from the Legislature, and the industry would need time to comply.