Global warming is the most pressing environmental problem facing Minnesota. Scientists at the University of Minnesota are predict that if we don’t take action to stop global warming, the ecology of the Boundary Waters could change so significantly that, within 50 years, the wilderness would look completely different.
In May 2008, the Minnesota Climate Change Advisory Group recommended that the Legislature adopt a clean car standard to help the state hit the global warming emission reduction targets outlined in Minnesota’s Next Generation Energy Act of 2007. The standard would take effect in 2012, apply only to new vehicles, be phased in over time and ramp up to a 30 percent reduction in global warming emissions, averaged across a manufacturer’s fleet, by 2016. Twenty five percent of Minnesota’s global warming pollution comes from the transportation sector; it is estimated that a state clean cars standard would cut 13 million metric tons of global warming pollution and other pollutants by 2025.
Opposition from automakers and other special interests has kept Minnesota from joining the 14 other states that have already adopted a clean cars standard. During the spring of 2009, Environment Minnesota worked with the Clean Energy Minnesota coalition to counteract that opposition, yet the legislature failed again to adopt this common sense policy. Bringing clean cars, light-duty trucks and SUVs to Minnesota is a win-win for all Minnesotans. Not only will a clean cars standard cut our global warming pollution but it will improve the health of all Minnesotans, save consumers money, reduce our dependence on oil and drive innovation by bringing new types of cars and trucks to the state.
On May 19, President Obama proved himself to be behind the wheel in
the race to a clean energy economy by announcing that the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation
will develop a national clean car standard. This is what leadership
looks like.
President Obama's standard will reduce global warming pollution from new vehicles by 30 percent and achieve an average fuel economy of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 – four years earlier than under current law.
According to the White House, the program will save 1.8 billion barrels
of oil and reduce global warming pollution by 900 million metric tons, which is equivalent to eliminating the pollution from 177 million of today's cars or 194 coal plants.
Environment Minnesota applauds the 14 states that spearheaded the drive for cleaner cars - and the half a dozen states, including Minnesota, that have been urging their legislatures to adopt this common sense policy this year. We wouldn't be here today if it weren't for
these trailblazing efforts.
Environment Minnesota thanks Representative Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) and Senator John Marty (DFL-Roseville) for their leadership as chief authors of the Minnesota Clean Car Act.
