New York to adopt California GHG emission standards

28 May 2005

New York Governor Pataki announced a proposal to require reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new motor vehicles, adopting—as the first US state—the California GHG emission regulation.

Manufacturers of all 2009 and later model year vehicles will be required to meet a fleet average CO₂-equivalent emission standard that becomes more stringent each year through 2016. The average reduction of GHG emissions from new cars and light trucks is about 22% in 2012 and about 30% in 2016, compared to today’s vehicles.

In California, the GHG emission regulations were adopted in September 2004. At this time, the GHG emission rule is being challenged in court by the automotive industry.

New York first adopted the California Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) program in the early 1990’s, and has continued to follow the cleaner LEV program as it has evolved. Under the US Clean Air Act, states have the right to adopt the more stringent California LEV program for its reduced automotive emissions, or they must adhere to Federal standards. States may not create their own programs regulating vehicle emissions.

Source: New York Governor (press release)