The California State Assembly passed (41 to 30) the California Climate Bill (AB 1493), which directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB, Sacramento, CA) to set carbon-dioxide emission standards from vehicle exhaust to "achieve the maximum feasible reduction of greenhouse gases" from cars, light-duty trucks and other non-commercial vehicles.
The legislation would force automakers to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions from their light trucks and cars beginning in 2009. Under the measure, CARB has until 2005 to adopt regulations to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions from vehicle exhaust. Automakers will then have four years to meet the new requirements. The new bill specifically bans CARB from forcing manufacturers to build smaller, lighter vehicles or new taxes on gasoline and vehicles.
