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Md. House Approves Cut in Car Pollution
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Carmakers estimate $3,000 would be added to consumers' costs. And they argue that by adopting California's emissions standards, Maryland, New York, New Jersey and other states are ceding their power if California should decide to tweak its regulations.
"This legislation will result in higher costs, reduce choices and give California the authority to make decisions about the vehicles Marylanders drive," said Charles Territo, spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which lobbied heavily against the bill.
"Some of us are a little uncomfortable with that," said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Calvert), who voted against the measure.
Territo disputed any health or environmental benefits from reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The carbon dioxide rules have not taken effect in other states, so there is no test case yet for Maryland consumers.
But environmental groups said the carbon dioxide rules can be met through current technology. Advocates said that average car prices would rise about $1,064 but that in the long term, cleaner cars would save money.
The auto industry blocked the clean cars bill for three years. "General Motors came in and said, 'We have a plant here in Maryland. You'll have to close that plant,' " recalled Del. Maggie McIntosh (D-Baltimore), chairwoman of the House Environmental Matters Committee. Said Del. Elizabeth Bobo (D-Howard), sponsor of the House bill: "We didn't pass the bill, and they still left," closing the GM plant in Baltimore. GM's waning influence in the state and a "lot of education about air and air quality" pushed the measure forward this year, McIntosh said.
The General Assembly is considering other anti-pollution and energy efficiency measures, including bills to reward greater reliance on solar and wind-powered energy. Another bill would revive a tax break for hybrid cars.
