A California federal district court became the second in the nation to back state efforts to implement the first greenhouse gas (GHG) emission regulations on automobiles, rejecting industry efforts to overturn the rules. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California decided Dec. 11 in Central Valley Chrysler-Jeep, Inc., et al., v. James Goldstene, California Air Resources Board to reject industry arguments claiming that federal law pre-empts the state efforts.

A Vermont federal judge made a similar ruling in Sept. 2007 against car companies regarding state-mandated auto emissions standards. Car manufacturers filed suit after Vermont issued regulations requiring reductions in vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.

The California District Court concluded that both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California are equally empowered through the Clean Air Act to determine regulations that limit the emission of greenhouse gases from motor vehicles. Furthermore, the court said state regulations do not interfere or conflict with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) duty to set maximum feasible average mileage standards under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA).

For Vermont and California laws to go into effect, the EPA must grant California a waiver to adopt more stringent standards than those of the federal government.

To view the California District Court decision, visit ASA’s legislative website, http://www.TakingTheHill.com. The link can be found under the “Super Warranties” tab in the left menu.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to http://www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at http://www.TakingTheHill.com.