Greenhouse Gas Plan for Cars Expected in California Today!

The California Air Resources Board is expected to require the automakers cut greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks by 30 percent today - something that hybrid cars can already achieve.

Nonetheless, the Board is giving automakers until 2009 to start reducing emissions, such as carbon dioxide which is converted by sunlight into smog and other ozone reducing emissions. From 2009 through 2012, emissions must be cut by 25 percent for cars, and 18 percent for trucks and SUVs. By 2016 those numbers will be expected to rise to 34 percent for cars and 25 percent for trucks and SUVs.

The auto industry is closely watching California, as 13 percent of the U.S. automarket is in California. So as goes California, as goes the rest of the Nation. The auto industry has already been threatening lawsuits, and most analysts predict the Big 3 - Ford, GM, and Chrysler - will file a suit sometime in early 2005.

According to experts, by 2016, car costs will go up about $626 dollars, while truck costs will be just under $1000.00. Since the Big 3 have focused market share on the most emission-causing vehicles, SUVs and big Trucks, a good fight can be expected.

Unfortunately, it is sad that with the overwhelming evidence of the damage caused by car pollution, that the auto industry would refuse to take a leadership role. Only foreign automakers, such as Honda and Toyota, have provided any leadership.

Currently, the Toyota Prius hybrid car can already achieve the requirements set by the California board, and the soon to be released, Honda Accord hybrid car is expected to do the same.

While Ford will be leasing Prius hybrid technology from Toyota for its Escape Hybrid SUV, the American auto industry as a whole is far behind in the battle against pollution. Hopefully, the industry will use California's legislation as a wake up call, instead of a as a battle call to defend their profitable inefficiencies and life-threatening practices.